They Drew As They Pleased Vol 4: The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid-Century Era (Disney Art Books, Gifts for Disney Lovers) (Disney x Chronicle Books) Hardcover – August 7, 2018

The Disney Company is unparalleled with it’s meticulous studio records and extensive production artwork spanning nine decades. The problem is getting them to put this material out for Disney connoisseurs and historians to enjoy. Didier Ghez has done us wonders with this series of books devoted to the concept artists who were influential at the studio over the years.This volume is probably the most colorful of all. Mary Blair has been one of the most celebrated of Disney artists. Her designs had warmth and a flair for color. As a fan of her work, any publication with fresh art is always a welcome surprise. And too much Mary Blair is never enough. Lots of never before published designs for Dumbo, The Three Caballeros, Melody Time, Cinderella, and Alice In Wonderland. Ive seen the actual Dodo impression, on page 91, on display at the Disney Family Museum. I’d like to see more concept art on the unproduced Carnival feature. This also answered my curiosity on if she did any designs for Sleeping Beauty (she did!) In volume one, Didier expressed that he would shy away from Mary Blair to focus on artists that haven’t been discussed before. I’m so glad he didn’t. The pieces he selected are beyond amazing.We also have, for the first time, an in depth discussion about her husband’s, Lee Blair’s, career. Lots of fresh art from Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Saludos Amigos. The chapters on John Dunn and Tom Oreb delve into Disneys foray into television and educational projects with very stylized designs. I presume this is the first publication to discuss the career of the controversial Walt Peregoy. From all accounts, past and fairly recent (he died in 2015) he was a very unpleasant person to interact with. But his designs have very beautiful and a striking use of color. We finally have a good representation of Peregoy’s Disney career.This series has struck a great balance of previously unseen art by both well known artists and artists that have never been discussed before. I hope The Disney Company will follow this example and unearth their treasures for Disney fans to see and for artists to be inspired by.I wonder what new treasures have been discovered for Volume 5.

Tons of beautiful concept art and text to go with it. Well worth the higher price as this volume is difficult to find now! One of my favorites of the series!

This series had already been one of my favorites, but this volume has absolutely made it to the very top of my Disney history library. The little seen artwork is perfectly matched by meticulous research. If you are fascinated with all things mid-century you will love this book. If you are fascinated with animation and/or Disney history you will love this book. I can think of no better way to continue or start a deep dive into the art behind the films that we grew up with and love.

With a series as magnificent at this it’s difficult to pick a favorite volume, though if pressed I would say volume 4, such a fascinating era and such amazing artists. The studio, like the art world as a whole was going through an artistic evolution. Trying to stay true to its traditions yet stretch its wings and challenge the artists and no where is that better demonstrated than in this volume. This book, along with Amud Amidi’s Cartoon Midern are essentials in my book shelf and in my hands for repeated perusal. An amazing book of an amazing era.

This is the best entry so far in the "They Drew As They Pleased" series, which is really saying something because all are fantastic. This volume has the advantage of Mary Blair, of course, but the colorful and stylish pieces by Oreb, Peregoy and Dunn were a revelation and a delight for the senses. I've been curious to know more about Oreb and Peregoy's work for a while, and found those chapters satisfying. Dunn was new to me, and, wow. Ghez also accomplished the difficult task of showing me Mary Blair pieces I hadn't seen before. And the depth of his research, both in unearthing rare pieces and writing artist biographies, is evident and really pays off. Whether you Disney obsessively, enjoy midcentury illustration, or are just curious to see how the animated works begin as sketches and ideas, you cannot go wrong with this book or the series. I recommend all four, but this one is best for its vivid colors and bold designs; second best is probably volume 1.It's worth mentioning that another "midcentury" Disney book also came out recently. This one is the better of the two in terms of research and visuals, though its scope is narrower.I am keeping my fingers crossed for a series on Parks concept art next...

Bought this book for my son who is an animator. His fav time period. Great for Mary Blair fans.

Disney concept art from the 1950s might be my favorite as they are the films that I grew up with. Disney historian, Didier Ghez, has done his usual incredible job in this new volume. Thorough research and investigation into the lives of these wonderful artists make for a fascinating read. As usual, Didier hunts down treasured art pieces that have never before been published. To a Disney art lover, like myself, opening this volume is like gaining admission to a private showing of Disney masters. You will not regret owning this volume.

As a former Imagineer, I recently attended a reunion at WDI. Didier's were the only Disney history books I saw in the House of Mouse (the in-house Disney store). They're so well researched, documented, and visually stunning that even the insiders appreciate what he has created. If you are a true Disney devotee or just appreciate concept art for it's own sake, these books will have pride of place on your shelf. PS . I was privileged to know some of the artists he has written about. It makes his books extra special.