TOY TINKERERS part two

MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1983)

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!