An Ode to Mary Blair

I adore the artwork of Mary Blair, with all of its wonderfully childlike flair. For those who are not aware of her, she is most famous for her work at Disney during the 1950's. She worked there as a "concept" designer. This job saw her creating the original sketches for "Alice in Wonderland," "Cinderella," and "Peter Pan." Unfortunately, by the time these movies reached the screen, Blair's original visions were often so diluted and altered that they bear little resemblence to her true style. They are not an accurate account of her work, as they have lost her whimsical touch.

This is a charming sketch of Blair's for "Alice in Wonderland." It provides an excellent study of composition. I love the way the slant of the teapots and the chair draw the eye of the viewer to the rabbit, while the steam emitting from the teapot brings the Mad Hatter to attention. To further ensure that the eye takes in the entire picture, white is used at each of the four corners. Texture rather than proper perspective adds depth.

While Blair usually worked with a variety of colors and high contrast, she also worked in monochromatic tones on occasion. Doing this is actually much harder than one would imagine, but she mastered it very well. In this other sketch for "Alice in Wonderland," the shades of pink blend together, but not to the point that the scene becomes non-existant. I find this next sketch, from "Peter Pan," particularly inspiring. The shades of grey used are usuallyreserved for rather drab, if not depressing, scenes. However, this scene is actually quite different from that and when I look at it I find it very happy.

Mary Blair's work is to me like escapism. They exude cheer and lift my mood. Blair's style is a trifle, well, flat, and it lacks the sophistication of her Disney peer, Eyvind Earle (I'll get to him another time), but her work does serve as an inspiration for me.