Happy Birthday Walt Disney

“Walt Disney and the Gift of Art,” reflections from The Walt Disney Family Museum on his artistic legacy (110th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birthday of December 5th, 1901).

Google Doodle for Mary Blair

Mary Blair’s 100th birthday anniversary is honored with a colorful Google Doodle logo. The Walt Disney storyboard artist, born on October 21st, 1911, is fondly remembered for her often whimsical, illustrative style in children’s books (notably Little Golden), advertisements, and concept art for classic Walt Disney animated films. And she especially was known for her wonderful use of color, as highlighted in a new Oscars tribute video.

“…Although Mary Blair is perhaps best known for the design of Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” attraction and park murals, her concept artwork for “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan” in the 1950s, as well as for earlier short subjects, reflects her unique sensibility and lasting influence on animation…” 
—The Academy on Mary Blair’s World of Color - A Centennial Tribute

Mickey Globe Crying c. 1966

(via The Walt Disney Family Museum)

“Autistic and Seeking a Place in an Adult World”

It isn’t often that there is an inspiring, non-political story on the front page of a newspaper, above the fold. The Sunday edition of The New York Times features tiny sketches of cartoon characters from Justin Canha’s journal.

“For weeks, Justin Canha, a high school student with autism, a love of cartoons and a gift for drawing, had rehearsed for the job interview at a local animation studio. As planned, he arrived that morning with a portfolio of his comic strips and charcoal sketches, some of which were sold at a Chelsea gallery…”   —Amy Harmon for The New York Times

The story of this one young man’s desire to become a “famous animator-illustrator” and his teacher Kate Stanton-Paule’s special education program to help autistic youth “transition to adulthood” is worth reading. If you weren’t able to get a physical copy of The New York Times, there is a substantial amount of content available online, along with supplemental visuals and videos.

I also recommend taking a look at Canha’s Animated Cartoon Timeline featuring Mickey Mouse, Sesame Street, The Simpsons, Shrek, and more.

redesignrelated:

Pixar’s Monsters Inc. versus Monsters University

Pixar characters Mike Wazowski and Sulley will undergo slight anatomical tweaks for the upcoming Monsters Inc. prequel, Monsters University. The new film has a release date in 2013.

“…While instantly familiar, due to the original Monsters, Inc., it looks like Pixar is trying to do something very different and unique as well. John Lasseter described the film as an “animated college movie.” The film is a prequel showing us a time when Mike and Sulley were not quite the best of friends. They are both 18 years old and some slight alterations have been made to their appearance. Mike is a bit shorter and has a retainer, while Sulley is thinner…”—Pixar Times

(images via Slashfilm)

concept designs for Disneyland’s “America the Beautiful” Tomorrowland poster c. 1967

The Muppets meet Star Wars, again
(via disneyparks)

The process behind creating a “Storybook gown constructed entirely out of children’s Golden Books” is quite amazing.

“The skirt is comprised entirely of the illustrations from the books sewn together with metallic gold thread, and the bodice is made from the books’ foil spines.”
—designer of the dress, Ryan Novelline

Pixar’s UP! Balloon House brought to life
(via My Modern Metropolis via National Geographic)

a very frank, vulgar conversation with Walt Peregoy, once a color stylist for Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” and more

(first discovered via Cartoon Brew, part 1 & 2 via Animation Guild)

new postage stamps from USPS to be excited for in 2011: 

includes characters from Disney/Pixar animated films including Ratatouille, Toy Story, Up, Cars, and Wall-E.

(via SFist)

a heartwarming round up vintage Disney Christmas greeting cards and new year calendars from the 1930s through 1950s

“…It’s time again to share this batch of wonderful Christmas cards from the Disney studio collected by Disney animator, Claire Weeks from 1938 through the mid-1950s. The designs on these cards are so much fun, it makes you wish the films themselves looked this cartoony.” —Animation Archive

(above corresponds with year the feature film Lady and the Tramp was released: 1955)

“Houndstooth Pattern in Parking Lot, at Disney World, FL.” print by Alex MacLean (via 20x200)