Bagheeeeera!!!!

 

The Jungle Book

Released:  October 18, 1967

This past week I was excited to learn about a scene with Bagheera and Baloo from Disney's The Jungle Book.  If you are not aware, Andreas Deja, Disney Legend and master animator, also publishes a regular blog on animation and related topics.  On September 20, 2022 he posted a story about the scene where Bagheera comes to the aid of Baloo after King Louis's monkey friends kidnap Mowgli.   I was excited to see the animation drawing images he shared as they were drafted by another Disney Legend and one of Disney's Nine Old Men, Milt Kahl.   He posted a series of 30 sequential rough drawings of Bagheera from this scene.  I love seeing sequential animation drawings and learning who and how they are created. 

So, up for this week's post is a Bagheera drawing numbered 27 from this same sequence, but 10 frames before his first pictured drawing numbered 37.  It is always exciting to learn new things about art in your collection.  I have had this drawing in the collection for a number of years and particularly love this piece.  Milt Kahl beautifully drew one of my favorite animals, cats.  Check out Andreas Deja's post here to learn more about this scene as well.

If you get a chance to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum exhibit on the Jungle Book this summer, you will discover a great section on Milt Kahl and his ability to draw cats and in particular Bagheera.

                            Original Production Drawing, graphite and red pencil on 16 field animation paper

                            Artist:  Milt Kahl

                            Acquired:  July 27, 2010

Original film frame, copyright Walt Disney Company

More on Bambi

 

Bambi - A Voice from the Golden Age

Released:  August 9, 1942

Image Courtesy of the BBC

As a follow on to recognizing Bambi's 80th anniversary release last month, I found this wonderful posting by the BBC who had interviewed Donnie Dunagon, the voice of Bambi.  This was previously shared by Andreas Deja on his blog and I really enjoyed hearing this story.  Donnie Dunagon shares his unique story about how he got the role in Hollywood and what came of him afterwards.  A fun story! 

So to commemorate, I am sharing a wonderful production drawing of Bambi from my collection.  A very large and expressive image of Bambi that also served as a color model drawing.  If you hadn't noticed, drawings of Bambi are quite rare to find.  It is far easier to find a cel than a production drawing.  

      

Original Production Drawing, graphite & colored pencil on trimmed animation paper

Acquired:  August 11, 2017

Artist:  Studio, Unknown

Jungle Book, The Exhibit (Part 3)

 

The Making of a Masterpiece

The Jungle Book Exhibit - Part 3

Exhibition Catalog & Book

September 11, 2022

Just a few weeks ago, I received my copy of Andreas Deja's latest book showcasing the new Walt Disney Family Museum's special exhibit on the making of the Jungle Book.  Following up from my previous postings in July, this is part three of the exhibit shares some insights from the exhibition catalog/book.  

What a wonderful splendor for the eyes of any animation art fan and especially those who love art from the Jungle Book.  The exhibition and the book showcases artwork straight from Andreas Deja's personal animation collection.  Lavishly displaying all types of animation artwork, one will find beautiful concept pieces, layout drawings, production backgrounds, key masters setups and much more.

  

 

Lately, I have been enjoying production drawings in sequence.  I love to collect groups of animation drawings that you can hold in your hand flip to recreate the magic of animation.   It is quite a thrill to hold the original artist work and make characters come to life.  Of particular note, I especially loved seeing a number of double-page spreads, where Andreas shares sequential drawings from a number of Jungle Book characters:

•  Kaa, pages 48-49
•  Baloo, pages 84-85, 92
•  Mowgli, pages 88-89 
•  Baloo & King Louie,  pages 116-117 
•  King Louie, pages 122-123
•  Shere Khan & Kaa, pages 138-139 

While many of these sequences were some of my favorites in the book, many of them sadly didn't make it into the actual exhibition.  I would have loved to seen more of these drawings in person!  Additionally, throughout the book there are many other sequences showcasing other minor sequences that were fun as well.

Another favorite section of art showcased was the section on Shere Khan.  During the exhibition, I had never seen some many Shere Khan key masters in one place before.  It was a delight to see them all and wonderful again to see many of the them up close in the book.  

However, I again noticed that the booked did not include many of the images on display during the exhibit.  I had to reference back to my exhibit photos to refresh my memory and I noticed several of the Shere Khan pieces did not make it into the book.  Sadly, final frames from the film were instead included in numerous places throughout.   So, to get the full context of the exhibit, you just need to go and visit the exhibition before it closes!

Overall, I enjoyed book immensely and would recommend any animation art collector to add this to there library.  Much of the exhibition artwork is on display in the book along with many pieces from Andreas' collection that did not make it to the museum.  So, add the book you will get a more rounded perspective on his collection.   The book is not available on Amazon until later this fall, however, if you call the Walt Disney Family Museum website you can get a copy of the book sent to you much sooner!  

Additionally, if you are lucky enough to be a museum member, the latest newsletter booklet has a wonderful story on the new exhibit and features two articles that have conversations with Andreas Deja and Bruce Reitherman.  If you have any questions, leave me a comment!