Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney's Inspirational Sketch Artists

Rating:
Summary: One of our "Top Ten" Books about the Disney Studios
Review: The origins of the animation process at the Disney Studios are masterfully detailed in the research that author and animation historian John Canemaker brings to his work.

In "Before the Animation Begins", John Canemaker invites the reader to explore the hand of the artist as they prepare to illustrate what the mind has conceived. The "inspirational sketch artist" gives early voice to this process, and is the first phase in breathing life into an animated film.

Through both text and illustrations, Canemaker gives unprecedented attention to the men and women who first perfected this craft. Featured artists include: Albert Hurter, Ferdinand Horvath, Gustaf Tenggren, Joe Grant, Kay Nielsen, Bianca Majolie, Sylvia Moberly-Holland, Mary Blair, Tyrus Wong, David Hall, Eyvind Earle, and Ken Anderson.

The fact that Walt Disney was able to employ artists of this caliber speaks highly of his ability to mobilize even talented personnel to a level of achievement that was unparalleled, then or since.

Clearly, one of the finest books ever published on Disney's artists and illustrators.

Rating:
Summary: One of our "Top Ten" Books about the Disney Studios
Review: The origins of the animation process at the Disney Studios are masterfully detailed in the research that author and animation historian John Canemaker brings to his work.

In "Before the Animation Begins", John Canemaker invites the reader to explore the hand of the artist as they prepare to illustrate what the mind has conceived. The "inspirational sketch artist" gives early voice to this process, and is the first phase in breathing life into an animated film.

Through both text and illustrations, Canemaker gives unprecedented attention to the men and women who first perfected this craft. Featured artists include: Albert Hurter, Ferdinand Horvath, Gustaf Tenggren, Joe Grant, Kay Nielsen, Bianca Majolie, Sylvia Moberly-Holland, Mary Blair, Tyrus Wong, David Hall, Eyvind Earle, and Ken Anderson.

The fact that Walt Disney was able to employ artists of this caliber speaks highly of his ability to mobilize even talented personnel to a level of achievement that was unparalleled, then or since.

Clearly, one of the finest books ever published on Disney's artists and illustrators.