How Mary Blair Changed the Walt Disney Company | Disney Legends

A fine artist by trade, Mary Blair brought a modern and abstract style to animation, working for the Disney company in different ways from the 1940s-1970s, she brought her own style to the studio and it benefited greatly from her.
Subscribe | tinyurl.com/y9...
Get Exclusive Content | tinyurl.com/y9...
Buy 1901 Merch | tinyurl.com/y8...
Listen to Our Podcast
iTunes | tinyurl.com/yb...
Spotify | tinyurl.com/y7...
Stitcher | tinyurl.com/cr...
Social Media
Our Facebook Group | tinyurl.com/y9...
Twitter | tinyurl.com/y9...
Instagram | tinyurl.com/yd...

[@icaliver]

It’s very sad a lot of artists I know dislike her work. Yet tons of them are fans with her predecessors. How can anyone not like Mary Blair’s work? Her work was ahead of it’s time but unrealized due to the technology of her time.

[@ModernMouse]

I don't usually see the hate, but I understand that its totally possible. -Angie

[@madeleinemcgregor2855]

I adore her. Her art makes me feel I’m in a dreamland ❤️

[@andrewpragasam]

I fell in love with Mary Blair's artwork as a child even though it was years before I learned her name. No Disney artist was better at fusing abstract images with warmth and wonder. Even now her art haunts my dreams and inspires my goals.

[@ModernMouse]

and her art has only grown in popularity since her death. I think she is a fantastic artist and I adore her use of color -Angie

[@MaidOfPasta]

I remember watching the 3 caballeros dozens of times as a kid, and I remember thinking the "las posadas" story was especially striking. I loved her before I even knew her 💕💕

[@basssingerericwinston3561]

Mary Blair is the perfect whimsical artist! Her colors and art style are dreamy! I believe she captured more in a single painting than many combined artists could. She was fantastic!

[@ModernMouse]

She is one of the reasons as to why I got into art and has served as an inspiration. Loved talking about her! -Angie

[@madeleinemcgregor2855]

Same.

[@crystalfairy912]

When I was a kid, some of my favorite Disney animations included Three Caballeros, Once Upon a Wintertime, Johnny Appleseed, Ichabod and Mr Toad, Alice, and Peter Pan. Who would have thought Mary Blair would have left her magic on all of those and more!

[@harmonetheanimationaddict4419]

I love cute, simple artstyles like these.

[@ModernMouse]

I'm the same way. Guache is a great look with simple characters and vibrant colors. Mary Blair really created a look that has evolved and inspired so many over time.

[@torealexandersen2179]

Samurai Jack without Mary’s influence simply would not be the same, she is one of my biggest artistic heroes.

[@ModernMouse]

Exactly. I see her influence everywhere and honestly I don't know how good art would be without her. Her style developed some pretty cool things, Samurai Jack being one of them!

[@Ellie-Mace]

I love that she is so much different from other artists, she made everything so colourful. I’ve been to Disney world 11 times, and I have been looking around for her work at Disney

[@ModernMouse]

If you haven't seen the mural at the Contemporary, you should next time. It's impressive.

[@Ellie-Mace]

@@ModernMouse ik, I’ve seen it! I was staying at bay lake towers but we had a reservation for dinner at the contemporary. It was so amazing!

[@toplaycool21]

I did a project called A Surreal Dream in college and it was largely inspired by Mary Blair's use of color. Mary Blair has been very influential to me.

[@ModernMouse]

I agree! Her use of color is inspiring -Angie

[@karlosx8]

This is a really well researched and presented video, thank you for making it. They should put a Mary Blair statue up outside small world imo! Also loved the outro, I'll make sure to bring my death certificate!

[@poplifeworld6716]

What a wonderful film you created! This was so insightful!!! I am so glad that you did this for all of us to learn more about this amazing and iconic artist!

[@ModernMouse]

Our Disney Legends series is really becoming something we are proud of. We all know Walt Disney but not many people know these unsung heroes of the studio and we want to highlight them all! -Josh

[@nexussever]

Thanks for the inspiration. It warms my heart to see an artist succeed by staying true to their vision.

[@AnneBeggs]

Thank you so much for creating this informative and visual delight about Mary Blair. doing some research on her, and this is BRILLIANT. And so much more to check out here =---->

[@jenniferwhitney4162]

This is such a fantastic video. I am teaching my second graders about Mary Blair tomorrow and know they will love this video as much as I did! Thank you!

[@ModernMouse]

That means so much to me. Thank you!

[@jenniferwhitney4162]

@@ModernMouse it was a hit! Thanks for teaching 40 kids about Mary Blair! I followed with an art project inspired by her Small World facade and the colors of the train scene in your video (florescent colors against a black background). Thank you!

[@lindahenry1041]

Lovely tribute to Mary Blair, I am an art teacher creating lessons with her style in mind. I love Mid Century artwork. It is perfect for teaching younger children.

[@renatashp]

I loved this video, I loved finding out more about this fantastic artist ❤

[@karakamen]

Lauren Faust is heavily inspired by Mary Blair. Very evident in "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" and "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic".

[@madeleinemcgregor2855]

Mary Blair is one of my all time favourite artists. I discovered her on the DVD of Cinderella.

[@ModernMouse]

Honestly, DVDs got so many people interested in the people behind the films. I learned so much from DVD extras and still to this day will seek out whatever "behind the scenes" stuff I can.

[@madeleinemcgregor2855]

@@ModernMouse I know, so have I. It’s a lot of fun and it proves to people that Walt Disney didn’t do all the work himself, he said once “ you can make the most magical things in the world, but it takes lots of people to make those dreams a reality.” and because of Mary Blair, I was introduced to the absolutely fantastic Disney package films (Saludos Amigos, Make Mine Music, Melody Time, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad, and of course, my absolute favourite, the Three Caballeros. 😊 Not to mention one of my favourite Disney short films, The Little House.) These behind the scenes bonus features also gives you the chance to learn more about Walt’s staff, co workers, animators, story people, layout artists, composers, songwriters and sound effects artists. The possibilities are endless.

[@beaniebabeeluver]

This is awesome! I'm an art teacher. I'm going to use this in my lesson about Mary Blair

[@brynkasson8100]

"She did concept art for Alice in Wonderland" Oh wow I love Alice in Wonderland! Mary is a great artist! "She designed It's A Small World" Oh...oh no....oh god no....The horror.....THE HORROR!!!!

[@ModernMouse]

I think you can fault the Sherman Brothers for writing the song. If the ride had a different song maybe people would think of it differently. Haha

[@madeleinemcgregor2855]

Whenever I think of Mary Blair, I think of the song True Colours. It really suits her.

[@angietaylor5256]

Mary Blair inspires me to illustrate a children's book! I love creating whimsical art! My logo: Sonshine's Whimsical Art!😃

[@ModernMouse]

I got a bachelors degree in illustration and wanted to do children’s books because of Mary Blair!

[@Stefano-bn8dr]

Wow, she was incredibil. Her paintings are like a signature. You cannot recognise her style.

[@merrikaevanderploeg3368]

This was well researched and very engaging to all ages. Excellent job!

[@ModernMouse]

Thank you so much!

[@LopezMendicuti]

She's always been my favourite animator. Thank you for this!

[@ModernMouse]

Loved putting it together. Thanks for watching! -Angie

[@elizabethmcdonald3403]

I love Mary Blair. I want to name my first daughter Mary Blair 😁

[@ModernMouse]

She was a complete inspiration to me artistically and is why I still love drawing and painting. -Angie

[@van8ryan]

I always think of Alice in Wonderland whenever I think of Mary Blair (especially LOVE her usage of color throughout her career)

[@KekeljevicIgor]

One of the best documentary I ever saw. Thanks for doing it, I enjoyed in every second. Brilliant.

[@suzyrogers8332]

Love her art!

[@ModernMouse]

I do too! It brings me a lot of joy to see.

[@malugawhale]

I can’t believe your channel doesn’t get as much live as it deserves

[@ModernMouse]

We are growing. The last 6 months or so has seen major growth. Glad you have joined us at the ground floor! -Angie

[@malugawhale]

Network 1901 yeah I can’t believe I never found your channel before I always watch Disney videos so this was a perfect channel

[@---yp7fh]

Maury Blair elementary is the best school PS.-> 2021

[@omcgh]

Loved your video, but didn't she also make a mural for Tomorrowland? One that used to be where Buzz Light Year's Astroblasters is? I love Mary Blair too.

[@marnioberpriller7852]

Yes, two ceramic murals. I hear that the murals are still there, just covered up during a past remodel of Tomorrowland. : (

[@jennninja9986]

Fosters home for imaginary friends is clearly in her style!!!

[@ModernMouse]

I think much of what went to Cartoon Network in the late 90s/early 00s was. You can see her influence in a ton of animation these days. -Josh

[@jazw4649]

She may have quit Disney to raise a family, that is what women did back then. Her kids were born around 1950 when it would have been less demanding to work for herself on childrens books. You also made it sound like people didn't like her for her art being flat. Again, it was probably because she was a woman getting prominent roles on big productions for why she was not respected by her predominantly male peers. Thank goodness Walt Disney was a progressive thinker and saw how amazing her work was, notably as a colourist. Her work, especially 'It's a Small World' looks like it was influenced greatly by artist Paul Klee, in particular 'Senesio' and 'Castle in the sun' which he painted in the 1920s.

[@Donillini]

There was an excellent book released about a year ago called “Queens of Animation”. While she did face some sexism, she appeared to be relatively left alone and praised at Disney. The problem was actually her husband and his jealousy of her success. He was also an abusive alcoholic which put a strain on her personal life. While Walt Disney had his faults, he was actually a bit more progressive for his time, especially if the person had talent. Women at Disney was not that uncommon, especially since most of Disney’s rivals had zero.

[@marnioberpriller7852]

@@Donillini I was wondering about that Anthony. I had heard she battled demons. I didn't realize Lee played a role in her the downfall of Mary's mental and physical health. What a loss. you also don't hear much about her twin sister...

[@cutekoala5492]

You seem offended she left to raise a family? What's so bad about that?

[@jaimer57]

today in art class we are making something like she would make

[@ModernMouse]

I love hearing that! -Josh

[@starlingwatch3921]

I love your memory of Mary Blair - this is so well done. There's another piece from her that is still in Disneyland - it is the mural in Tomorrowland (behind the current painting). May I propose you do a memory of Imagineer Terri Hardin. -Frank

[@JakeLeeAnimation]

This channel is incredible! I love the knowledge! I would love to see more videos like this about Disney legends!!

[@ModernMouse]

We do have an entire Legends series and will be continuing to add to it. Thank you for finding us and checking us out

[@JakeLeeAnimation]

@@ModernMouse If you have a moment, please check out my video series on my channel where I do 100 Facts about each Disney film, I am starting from the beginning and aim to do every Disney film. I would love to collaborate with you one day!🐼kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXKzfod8l5eSl6M

[@julyr5650]

Such and example, i love her and her art!

[@ModernMouse]

I do too and you can see her inspiration in so many artists these days. -Josh

[@charlesperez9976]

I love Mary. She is the greatest mid 20th century concept artist ever! But, I love her, truly and romantically, I love her,forever.❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊😊😊

[@ModernMouse]

She really was an impressive artist and designer. She definitely is one of the reasons we started the Disney Legends series to begin with. Glad to have spin offs from her with Eyvind Earle and Rolly Crump who both worked with her and were inspired by her. I'm also happy to see her art inspire animation still. Anytime I see something that feels like a Mary Blair piece I have to point it out.

[@biancaguimaraens6498]

Honestly, her style is everything to me

[@ggt47]

(Gasps)Mary my girl Blair. Yes!

[@ModernMouse]

I've always loved her too -Angie

[@ggt47]

@@ModernMouse OF COURSE. FERCE CHARACTER SHE STOOD UP TO WALT DISNEY. SORRY.

[@AaronKraten]

Awesome Video . Such a great artist.

[@ModernMouse]

Thank you so much! She really is such an inspiration and truly a pioneer in 20th century art.

[@Sukinishino]

Whos hear after the limited edition alice doll was announced

[@ModernMouse]

Oh! I didn't even know that was getting made. I'll look it up!

[@effxd_3172]

have to learn about this

[@ggt47]

Snow White! The most iconic Princess of all time and animated.

[@nancywysemen7196]

thank-you.

[@729MendicantTide]

Mary Blair is one artist contributing to why I admire traditional animation over 3D animation (Miyazaki is another, but that is beside the point of this video). I actually praise digital ink programs like Toonboom and the like to give a means to modernize the medium. (by the way, is it a problem that I am actually coming back to this vid in particular just for the music?)

[@mateomontanagirala1829]

Wow this video is so professional

[@danielb5426]

What is the name of this song from the background?

[@DrikaUtkin]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@andrewwalden007createsfilm5]

I know who made Disneyland Paris It's a Small World

[@ModernMouse]

personally?

[@ericpatterson4248]

#turbulent history paper. . .

[@jennninja9986]

Mary Blair walt's sister and his maid all the same woman!?!?!

[@amyrowland1798]

no

[@ModernMouse]

no what?

[@gabo4613]

Dislikes