Jungle Book Color Sketch

I believe Al Dempster painted both of these visuals for the Counsel Rock scene from the Jungle Book. First the color sketch, then the final background (with the characters cel overlay).

Both absolutely stunning!

A Frank Thomas Birthday

 

Yesterday was Frank Thomas' 112th birthday. His work and the films he worked on have become timeless masterpieces. When reflecting on his animation career Frank said that he always felt lucky to have been at the right place at the right time. Aptly called "The Laurence Olivier of Animation" he set himself very high standards when it came to creating a performance. Someone asked Frank once about now he felt about his accomplishments. He responded by pointing out that 2 or 3 scenes (out of all he had done) met his standards. He did not say which ones. 

People who worked with him said that he was impossible to please. There was always...always room for improvements. Disney was so lucky to have such an animator who helped elevate the art form. 

The first photo shows him in his office working on Miss Bianca for The Rescuers, around 1976.

In the next pic we see Frank at the premiere for the film in 1977 along with actress Eva Gabor, who voiced Miss Bianca. 

Frank at his home in 2001. 

Just a handful of drawings that show Frank's versatility, his love for the performance, his sense for appeal and many other things. Genius.!!!

Much more here in this early post from 2011:

https://andreasdeja.blogspot.com/2011/06/frank-thomas.html

Eric Larson, Post 1500

 

Today is Eric Larson's birthday. This is also post # 1500. I am re-posting the first blog image from June 6, 2011. The pic was taken by Hans Bacher (I believe in 1980) as I am paying attention to Eric's animation demonstration.

 

Eric is reviewing a pencil test on an old Moviola. From left yo right: Bill Frake, Kathy Zielinski and Matt O'Callaghan.

Eric with Lisa Davis, late 1950s. Lisa is the voice for Anita in 101 Dalmatians. 

Cinderella's King and Duke

I am not sure who the actors are who provided live action reference scenes for the animators here. But I do know Milt Kahl animated this section of the film. 

When asked about working on the two characters Milt said that they weren't too much fun, but that they worked ok for the story. The earlier introductory scenes of the King and Duke were animated by a different animator, and at that time Milt felt compelled to re-draw all of those scenes in order to improve the poses and overall draughtsmanship.

King Triton Moments

These are various bits and pieces from scenes that show my first rough animation pass. After approval I redrew the animation in light blue and graphite for a more detailed version that would help clean up artists tie down their final drawings.

Probably animated late in 1988.

 

New Busch Originals

I am thrilled to add these two relatively small original drawings to my modest Wilhelm M Busch collection. Two centaurs, ball pen, and a circus backstage scene, pencil and color pencil.

Pure draughtmanship, a feast for the eyes.

John Lounsbery's Robin Hood

I have written before about John Lounsbery's involvement in the character of Robin Hood. He started him off by animating a few scenes, before Milt Kahl took over Robin. 

Early designs by Ken Anderson showed Robin with a thin neck and long nose. Then Milt added a bigger neck for a spiffier appearance.

The first three drawings are Lounsbery's. They are available at:

https://www.animationartgallery.com/category-s/18702.htm

This is Milt's version of Robin from a scene in the film's opening sequence.