Mary Blair

Mary Blair is rad.

I found this a helpful start (an overview of The Art and Flair of Mary Blair: An Appreciation by John Canemaker) "For more than a dozen years, an unassuming, quiet-spoken woman dominated Disney design. The stylishness and vibrant color of Disney films in the early 1940s through mid-1950s came primarily from artist Mary Blair. In her prime, she was an amazingly prolific American artist who enlivened and influenced the not-so-small worlds of film, print, theme parks, architectural decor, and advertising. At its core, her art represented joyful creativity and communicated pure pleasure to the viewer. Her exuberant fantasies brimmed with beauty, charm, and wit, melding a child's fresh eye with adult experience. Blair's personal flair comprised the imagery that flowed effortlessly and continually for more than a half a century from her brush. Emulated by many, she remains inimitable: a dazzling sorceress of design and color."

In my research, I came across a blogger who suggested that Blair was clearly influenced by Lotte Reineger's aesthetic.

Lotte Reinger, still from Prince Achmed

Mary Blair, concept for Alice in Wonderland

And I was delighted to come across this advert for Meadow Gold ice

cream; I distinctly remember a reference to this in the beginning of 101

Dalmations.

I also found this tile mural by Mary Blair interesting, revealing another aspect of her artistry.

post by elizabeth canazon