Didier Ghez "They Drew As They Pleased Vol 4: The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid-Century Era: The 1950s and 1960s" Is the Perfect Book About Disney Animation for a Christmas Gift!

My good friend and DLP book co-author Didier Ghez - who was the recipient this year of the June Foray Award during the Annie Awards - has released the volume 4 of "They Drew as They Pleased" a fantastic series of never seen before artworks of Disney legendary artists, and you will hardly find a better Christmas gift for a Disney Animation fan!

From the Foreword of Eric and Susan Goldberg: "Didier has unearthed more treasures for our delectation, and this time, Didier has concentrated on the work of Tom Oreb, John Dunn, Walt Peregoy, Lee Blair, and Mary Blair. As well as uncovering many never-before-published pieces of stunning art, Didier also digs deeper into the motivations and frustrations of these legendarily talented Disney artists. Their backstories are every bit as intriguing as their artwork is beguiling."

Above: Sketch for Peter Pan by Mary Blair

The 1950s and 1960s at The Walt Disney Studios marked unprecedented stylistic directions brought on by the mid-century modern and graphic sensibilities of a new wave of artists. This volume explores the contributions of these heroes with special emphasis on the art of Lee Blair, Mary Blair, Tom Oreb, John Dunn, and Walt Peregoy.



Above, from left to right: Disney artists Herb Ryman, Webb Smith, Mary Blair, Lee Blair, John Rose, Janet Martin, Jack Miller, James Bodrero, Charles Wolcott, and Jack Cutting in Rio de Janeiro in August 1941. Courtesy: Brian Lansburgh.



It includes never-before-seen images from Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty and discusses Disney's first forays into television, commercials, space, and science projects—even the development of theme parks. Drawing on interviews and revealing hundreds of rediscovered images that inspired Disney's films during one of its most prolific eras, this volume captures the rich stories of the artists who brought the characters to life and helped shape the future of animation.

Above: Story sketches for Cinderella by Mary Blair
Below: “The Dance of the Hours” sequence in Fantasia by Lee Blair. 

Above: Story sketches for the “Aquarela do Brasil” sequence in Saludos Amigos by Lee Blair.

Above: Walt Peregoy working on The Sword in the Stone.

Above: Concept painting for One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Walt Peregoy.

They Drew As They Pleased Vol 4: The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid-Century Era: The 1950s and 1960s is a large 224 pages book published by Chronicle Books and is available on Amazon HERE either in Hardcover edition ( recommended ) for $28.46 or in Kindle format for $18.99  and whatever the edition you will choose you can be sure that it will make the delight of any Disney Animation fan! Definitely a great Chrismas gift to put on your list!

Pictures: copyright Disney