MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1983)

Tutoring w/ Stephen Gregory week 5

Quick recap of the week 5 session w/ Stephen. We're going to call this one done for now and move on to another assignment. But before we do that Stephen had some notes on this piece. The pose the boy student gets into from about frames 140-155ish wasnt reading clearly. And the expression could be presented clearer if it wasnt in profile but more turned towards camera.
The perpetrator pose in question. Stephen's suggestion for a clearer read. His draw-overs on the frames. My fixes according to his critiques.Here are the results with Stephens feedback implemented.

Hm. I'll have to step away from this one & not look at it for a while before I could go in and polish again. So hopefully the mistakes and such will be more apparent. This was supposed to be a simpler, more physical, 200 frame-ish assignment, but somehow it grew into this beast! Its insane how much time I end up spending in the polish phase. I feel like my workflow could be improved in that area. And also acting. And moving holds. Mechanics. and everything else....

So heres to the next assignment! A dialogue shot! Only a few more weeks left of the tutorship!

PLUTO'S CHRISTMAS TREE part two

This is the interior of the pine tree Mickey chooses, then chops down, little knowing Chip and Dale are inside!

This is a beautifully composed B/G. Note the the dark splay of needles on the edges, and the bright "lighting" at the center, all contributing to a beautiful stage for the animation to play out.

Then there's the "background within a background," with its delicate palette of yellows and greens.

Lovely!

And there's more to come...

PLUTO'S CHRISTMAS TREE (1952)

The holiday short PLUTO'S CHRISTMAS TREE has incredible backgrounds credited to artist Thelma Witmer. This first installment is a pan background of Mickey Mouse's living room. Pluto chases past the couch when he discovers Chip and Dale inside the Christmas tree.

This is just a teaser, actually, with just a few presents and the edge of the Christmas tree. Wait 'til you see the forthcoming, dazzling interior shots of the trimmed tree!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

This art from "Mickey's Good Deed" (1932) includes the animated snow, but very chilly Mickey and Pluto have been digitally removed.

Disney artists were making quantum leaps in this period, ramping up to produce SNOW WHITE in 1937. When you think this B/G is a mere four years after STEAMBOAT WILLIE (with its sparse, primitive B/G art) the artistic growth is obvious. And while not yet in Disney's full bloom, this B/G is nonetheless stylish and evocative.

Hot Cocoa, anyone?

Holiday Art, Part Deux: THE SMALL ONE

I am incredibly fond of Disney featurette "THE SMALL ONE." It's a beautifully told story, with great visuals, terrific character animation, and tuneful songs.

This re-created B/G has a very interesting perspective and texture.

Happy Holidays... Part 1: Christmas Candy!

I'll admit it... I LOVE Christmas! The music, the lights, and of course all kinds of Holiday treats, which include classic Christmas cartoons.

I wasn't sure which artwork would best kick off the Holiday theme, but this re-created pan background is certainly a beauty, from TOY TINKERERS, which starred Donald Duck with Chip and Dale.

This B/G evokes warm memories of childhood... candy canes, home-baked cookies, toys, presents wrapped with bows, and Christmas trees with shiny glass ornaments...

Happy Holidays!