THE FOX IN THE STORK

Here are some of Milt Kahl’s sketches, trying to figure out how the fox’s body would fit inside the stork disguise. The position of the legs to manipulate the storks stiff long legs, and the way the arms grab the wings.

In the end, in the film the final result is much more free, without considering this realistic analysis much, but it is interesting to see the logic behind it.

(Source: fancysomedisneymagic)

101 Dalmatians set the mark for a different kind of animated feature as being the first “modern” animated Disney film. It had a more artistic and graphic style, which Walt was not very fond of, as he thought it was quite messy. 

This can clearly be seen in this sketch by Ken Anderson, inspired by Ronald Searle. Although messy, it is alive, realistic. One can feel as if one is inside the frame, and see Roger as a modern man; a man we can identify with. And even though Walt wasn’t a fan, the audiences loved it and embraced this film quite well. In fact, it is the favorite of many people I know.

Source: Deja View

Ariel by Glen Keane

(Source: mariahgem)

MARC DAVIS, THE ANIMALS MASTER ANIMATOR 

Marc Davis achieved human expressions on a realistic fawn. 

Frank Thomas has even admitted that the animators couldn’t have come up with he same results if it wasn’t for Marc’s thorough and extremely useful research.

Characters like the ones in Bambi could easily look overly sweet and kitschy, but when you have artists involved with Marc’s caliber, that’s not going to happen. Instead the film’s cast is portrayed with unparalleled elegance and beauty. 

Source: Deja View

(Source: fancysomedisneymagic)

I’ve got no strings… almost

Pinocchio cleaned up roughs

(Source: fancysomedisneymagic)

Pinocchio Sketch

by unknown artist

Frank Thomas was known for being one of the most gifted animators when it came to bringing an animal to life via animation. Frank animated a few beautiful scenes during the Rescue Aid Society meeting at the beginning of The Rescuers.

The sketches above are staging ideas for the moment when the two leading mice, Bernard and Bianca, meet for the first time.

Source: Deja View

(Source: fancysomedisneymagic)

JESSICA RABBIT SKETCHES

Jessica Rabbit is known to be one of the sexiest characters in animation.

“I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way”.

Still, she is very complex, so she was not easy for its supervising animator Russell Hall, to bring to life. The issue being how realistic or cartoony the design and the animation should be. She ended up being THE “femme fatale” by excellence, many men out there will admit they are very attracted to this animated character. 

A Tink sketch by Marc Davis

“Now take it easy, Friar. I’m just doing my duty.”

- The Sheriff of Nottingham