A figure, commonly referred to in the context of traditional animated films, is actually a creation of cels. These cels are made of Celluloid, a transparent plastic material that allows artists to draw or paint on one side and leave the other side untouched. The use of cels was prevalent during the early days of animation, when the process of creating an entire film was labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, with the advancement of technology and the introduction of computer-assisted animation, the reliance on cels has significantly reduced.
History of Cels
The firstcel was patented by Earl Hurd in 1914, revolutionizing the world of animation. Before the invention of cels, animators had to rely on hand-drawn sketches, which were not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. The process of drawing each character and background from scratch would often result in multiple revisions and needed to be redone for every change in the story. With cels, artists could quickly and easily produce numerous duplicates of a character or scene, allowing for more efficient and accurate production.
The Cel Painting Process
Cel painting is a meticulous process that involves several steps. First, the outline of the character is drawn on the front of the cell, while the colors are painted on the back. This technique, known as xerography, eliminated the need for brushes and allowed for precise applications of color. The result was a cel that was ready for photography over a background painting.
Collection and Appreciation
Once an animation production was completed, the cels used in the film were often sold as souvenirs or collectibles. In some cases, these cels were not used for actual production work but were later repurposed into limited-edition pieces, sometimes even printed instead of hand-painted. Collectors often paid thousands of dollars for these unique pieces, which are now considered valuable mementos of animation history.
Modern Applications
Despite the widespread adoption of digital animation techniques, some animators and companies still appreciate the nostalgic qualities of cels. Some animated films, particularly those from the classic era, have been recently released on DVD with accompanying cel sets, allowing fans to relive the olden days of animation. Additionally, cels continue to be displayed in art galleries and museums, showcasing the evolution of animation as an art form.
##A figure made of cels represents a significant part of the history and evolution of animation. These transparent sheets, once a primary medium for creating live-action-style films, have become highly sought-after collectibles that capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. As technology advances and动画风格的多样性发展，但 cels remains a timeless medium that continues to inspire and entertain.
