They Drew As They Pleased Vol 4: The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid-Century Era (Disney Art Books, Gifts for Disney Lovers) (Disney x Chronicle Books)

The Disney Company is unparalleled with it’s meticulous studio records and extensive production artwork spanning nine decades. The problem is getting them to put this material out for Disney connoisseurs and historians to enjoy. Didier Ghez has done us wonders with this series of books devoted to the concept artists who were influential at the studio over the years. This volume is probably the most colorful of all. Mary Blair has been one of the most celebrated of Disney artists. Her designs had warmth and a flair for color. As a fan of her work, any publication with fresh art is always a welcome surprise. And too much Mary Blair is never enough. Lots of never before published designs for Dumbo, The Three Caballeros, Melody Time, Cinderella, and Alice In Wonderland. Ive seen the actual Dodo impression, on page 91, on display at the Disney Family Museum. I’d like to see more concept art on the unproduced Carnival feature. This also answered my curiosity on if she did any designs for Sleeping Beauty (she did!) In volume one, Didier expressed that he would shy away from Mary Blair to focus on artists that haven’t been discussed before. I’m so glad he didn’t. The pieces he selected are beyond amazing. We also have, for the first time, an in depth discussion about her husband’s, Lee Blair’s, career. Lots of fresh art from Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Saludos Amigos. The chapters on John Dunn and Tom Oreb delve into Disneys foray into television and educational projects with very stylized designs. I presume this is the first publication to discuss the career of the controversial Walt Peregoy. From all accounts, past and fairly recent (he died in 2015) he was a very unpleasant person to interact with. But his designs have very beautiful and a striking use of color. We finally have a good representation of Peregoy’s Disney career. This series has struck a great balance of previously unseen art by both well known artists and artists that have never been discussed before. I hope The Disney Company will follow this example and unearth their treasures for Disney fans to see and for artists to be inspired by. I wonder what new treasures have been discovered for Volume 5.

This series had already been one of my favorites, but this volume has absolutely made it to the very top of my Disney history library. The little seen artwork is perfectly matched by meticulous research. If you are fascinated with all things mid-century you will love this book. If you are fascinated with animation and/or Disney history you will love this book. I can think of no better way to continue or start a deep dive into the art behind the films that we grew up with and love.

This is the best entry so far in the "They Drew As They Pleased" series, which is really saying something because all are fantastic. This volume has the advantage of Mary Blair, of course, but the colorful and stylish pieces by Oreb, Peregoy and Dunn were a revelation and a delight for the senses. I've been curious to know more about Oreb and Peregoy's work for a while, and found those chapters satisfying. Dunn was new to me, and, wow. Ghez also accomplished the difficult task of showing me Mary Blair pieces I hadn't seen before. And the depth of his research, both in unearthing rare pieces and writing artist biographies, is evident and really pays off. Whether you Disney obsessively, enjoy midcentury illustration, or are just curious to see how the animated works begin as sketches and ideas, you cannot go wrong with this book or the series. I recommend all four, but this one is best for its vivid colors and bold designs; second best is probably volume 1. It's worth mentioning that another "midcentury" Disney book also came out recently. This one is the better of the two in terms of research and visuals, though its scope is narrower. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a series on Parks concept art next...

As a former Imagineer, I recently attended a reunion at WDI. Didier's were the only Disney history books I saw in the House of Mouse (the in-house Disney store). They're so well researched, documented, and visually stunning that even the insiders appreciate what he has created. If you are a true Disney devotee or just appreciate concept art for it's own sake, these books will have pride of place on your shelf. PS . I was privileged to know some of the artists he has written about. It makes his books extra special.

Tons of beautiful concept art and text to go with it. Well worth the higher price as this volume is difficult to find now! One of my favorites of the series!

It is fascinating to delve into the animation creative process and discover the amazing concept art of some relatively unknown Disney artists of the 1950s and 1960s. Lee Blair’s concepts for Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Saludos Amigos are a joy to behold. Walt Peregoy’s background concepts for The Jungle Book are simply sublime. Previously unseen artwork from Mary Blair was a wonderful surprise. As always, the text is full of insight into the lives of the artists and the creative process at the Disney studio. I can’t wait for Volume 5!

Disney concept art from the 1950s might be my favorite as they are the films that I grew up with. Disney historian, Didier Ghez, has done his usual incredible job in this new volume. Thorough research and investigation into the lives of these wonderful artists make for a fascinating read. As usual, Didier hunts down treasured art pieces that have never before been published. To a Disney art lover, like myself, opening this volume is like gaining admission to a private showing of Disney masters. You will not regret owning this volume.

Another fantastic volume in this great collection of some of Disney's lesser known artists. Except for Mary Blair, most of the artists are people you've only seen random artwork from. This book has some of their best pieces collected together along with short biographies. Some had tragic lifes which was sad to read about.

Very gud book!

... eu deveria conhecer mais a fundo o livro antes. É realmente de ótima qualidade, mas é basicamente uma coleção de esboços (e nem é tão exaustiva). Verdade que alguns esboços são bem interessantes e bonitos e transmitem o espírito da época. Praticamente não se vê o produto final. Gostaria de ver também (e principalmente) imagens de cenas dos filmes dos anos 50 e 60.

I've been collecting "making off" for a lifetime, I thought I'd seen it all, this series of books collects thousands of images never seen, taken from the disney archives, 80% illustrations, 20% descriptions One of my best purchases ever ! ! !

Es perfecto, adoro esta colección y conocer sobre artistas del pasado que trabajaron en disney, muchas veces viendo lo que hacían antaño te das cuenta que a pesar de que han pasado muchos años todavía se tienen en cuenta ideas de estos artistas como referencia para otras películas más actuales.

Some really lovely art in this book! I'm particularly keen on 1950s advertising and this fits the bill, but I also got a little kick out of the art for the films that rarely get a look in (101 Dalmatians mainly!). I've got 2 books out of this series, and while I prefer the 5th volume (70s-80s), this is still a fab book!