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Wetzel "Judge" Whitaker
Another unsung Disney animation hero. Judge Whitaker worked at Disney as a character animatoron a ton of Donald Duck shorts as well as features, from Snow White all the way to Peter Pan.He animated...
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Freddie Friday
Nothing better than to end the week with some Fred Moore art. The first image is dedicated to Milt Banta, a Disney writer, and his bride Ginny. Banta worked on many short films and a few features, his...
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Venessa
I was asked recently if I had anything to do with the character of Vanessa (Ursula in human form) for The Little Mermaid.The answer is yes. I think at the time I was done with King Triton's animation...
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Early Medusa Set-Up
This is a pre-production cel set-up from The Rescuers. Actually one element in it is production, and that's Medusa. Milt Kahl had already animated her as she gets off the sofa and moves toward the door...
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Studies of Alice
I don't know who drew these Alice poses, but the original artist is Marc Davis. Either a clean-up artist or a rough in-betweener traced off a few of Marc's key animation drawings. This kind practice...
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Dr. Facilier
This might come as a surprise to you, but I was involved in a bunch of scenes featuring Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog.I remember that at the time story material and layouts for Mama Odie...
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Tytla's Chernabog
The Night on Bald Mountain sequence in Fantasia is probably the most extravagant piece of animated film making in regards to character animation and effects ever produced.Fire, smoke, highlights and...
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Sonf of the South
What a beautiful color sketch, perhaps by Mary Blair.I know that many of you are frustrated over the Song of the South controversy. All that beautiful animation lost in the film's dispute.As for...
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The Nine Old Men in China
I am thrilled to announce that my book on Disney's Nine OId Men is now available in China.
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Willie the Giant
Mickey and the Beanstalk is a short film that really stands the test of time. It was released in 1947 as a part of the feature Fun and Fancy Free.The film's "villain", Willie the giant, was principally...
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A Lady & the Tramp Masterpiece
It is worth spending time studying these clean up drawings from the famous Frank Thomas scene.Inspired by story sketches from Joe Rinaldi, Frank outdid himself, if that's even possible.His emotional...
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Kimball's Cricket
A few outrageously beautiful Jimmy Cricket sketches by Ward Kimball that were recently sold at auction.After having initially struggled with the character's design (Walt insisted on eliminating most...
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Three More Kleys
I just want to share these recent Heinrich Kley online discoveries.Above, Bacchus' parade. Beautiful subtle color treatment and gorgeous line work.A tribut to hangovers.The next one is a muddle of...
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Eric Goldberg's Rhapsody in Blue
The Rhapsody in Blue section in Fantasia 2000 is not only my favorite piece in the movie, it is one of my all time favorite animated short films. And lucky me had the opportunity to contribute a couple...
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James H. Dowd
I am still a big fan of the drawings by James H. Dowd. Full of life, beautifully observed and virtuoso draughtsmanship. I posted some of his artwork a few years ago, but I remember mis-identifying the...
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Magician Mickey Roughs
The year is 1937. Walt Disney Productions releases SEVEN Mickey Mouse short films. Magician Mickey opened in February, Snow White would be released in December.In this short Mickey puts up a magic show...
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Our Planet
Go to NETFLIX and watch Our Planet. Incredible animal footage to study. From the folks who brought you Planet Earth.As gorgeous as this documentary series is, it does inform you about frightening...
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Another Frank Thomas Masterpiece
Frank Thomas' animation of Bambi and Thumper on the ice is legendary.This story sequence was almost cut from the film, Walt Disney questioned its importance within the overall plot of the film.Marc...
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Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World
I am thrilled to announce that a new important exhibition is coming to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.I had the honor and pleasure to guest curate MICKEY MOUSE: FROM WALT TO THE...
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More Black Cauldron Designs
Heritage Auctions is again offering never before seen animation art, including a few more of my early character designs for Taran and Princess Eilonwy from The Black Cauldron. I remember having a...
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