They Drew As They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney’s Early Renaissance

They Drew As They Pleased explores the hidden art of Disney’s early renaissance during the 1970s and 1980s. This digital PDF edition is available for instant download after purchase.

Written by Didier Ghez, the book focuses on Ken Anderson and Mel Shaw, two artists who helped develop characters, settings, atmosphere, and story ideas during a major transition in Disney animation.

The volume presents a documented selection of artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and Walt Disney Archives, unless otherwise specified in the captions.

Book Overview

This art and animation history book examines Disney’s creative work after Walt Disney’s death. Its central subjects are Ken Anderson and Mel Shaw, artists who contributed concept sketches, character studies, and visual development for projects including The Aristocats, Robin Hood, Bambi, and The Rescuers.

The book places their work within the studio’s effort to preserve animation expertise, develop new film ideas, and inspire a new generation of artists. It includes a foreword by Don Hahn, a preface, two main artist chapters, acknowledgments, notes, an index, and an About the Author section.

Category: Art. Author: Didier Ghez.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Ken Anderson’s character and concept designs for Disney animation.
• Mel Shaw’s visionary concept drawings, pastel chalk works, and watercolor works.
• Artwork connected with The Aristocats, Robin Hood, Bambi, and The Rescuers.
• The creative transition affecting Disney animation during the 1970s and 1980s.
• The roles of artists, studio leadership, and project development after Walt Disney’s era.
• The preservation sources represented by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and Walt Disney Archives.

Why This Book Matters

The volume documents a crucial period in Disney animation through the work of artists who helped sustain the art form during a period of change. It shows how character design, visual development, and early concept work contributed to the shaping of animated projects.

It also records the teaching influence of Anderson and Shaw on a later generation of animation artists, including Brad Bird, Henry Selick, John Musker, Ron Clements, Lisa Keene, and Tim Burton.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, and no physical copy will be shipped. Access is available after purchase.

The PDF works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps. Device features may vary by application.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase, with instant download for the digital file.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This listing is for a digital download, and there is no physical shipping.

Which devices support the file?
The PDF can be used with compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and reading apps.

Review the Book Details section for the supplied bibliographic and file information before downloading.

Verified Bibliographic Details