Between Books - They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One

 

Short Version - They Drew as They Pleased by Didier Ghez is really good.  If you like or love Disney animation and books you will want very volume.

Long Version - They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One by Didier Ghez is the second volume in this art driven series.  Ghez again features treasures from Disney's story artists.  The book covers artists that are well known in Kay Nielsen and Retta Scott but also those that Disney fans may not be as familiar with like Walt Scott.  Each chapter includes a brief description of the artist's work and the pages of their art, which are well-framed and often striking to the reader.

Honestly, I do not have a lot to say about this volume.  The artists picked are a great representation of the studio and the films which Disney had in production during a time that Ghez labels a musical era.  Ghez faces some issues straight one such as the status of women in the studio and Walt Disney's views of their contributions.  A theme which is unstated in this volume is short tenures with many of these artists quickly moving on in the time of economic uncertainty as World War II opens and labor changes after the studio strike.  If I had a to pick a criticism, I would have loved to see more of Retta Scott's art for Bambi and less of unfinished Disney projects due to her skill drawing animals.

If you are reading this review you probably like or love Disney books.  Yes, you need a copy of They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One by Didier Ghez in your library.  There is a pretty good chance you were already thinking about this!  Just let me confirm it for you.  It is an excellent volume with fantastic art that you want in your collection.

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