Color Design

This is a color study that Mary Blair did for Disney's Peter Pan. Mary Blair was a strong force on the Disney look in those days and her influence continues to this day, not only in Disney but in nearly all animation and children's illustration. A master of color design, setting mood and environment, she was never confined to "realism" but rather used color more on an emotional level. For instance, go back and observe the color of her sky in her illustrations and note how the colors make you feel.

Economy of Form

Mary Blair was a master of economy. Her forms are fluid, graceful, and simple. Well composed, repeating shapes, rounded angles, and line that flows into line all make for very pleasing views. Note in this illustration she made for Choco Milk how the line from her hand that holds the glass flows in a beautiful curve all the way to her foot, uninterrupted by her night gown. Her designs are cute, compact, and deceptively simple - study them closer and you can see how well planned they are. The charming form is made more so with the addition if detailed patterns and an incredible palette. The muted colors give her designs warmth and closeness.