Plausible Impossible

The first artist I wanted to highlight was the first Disney artist I was lucky enough to meet, Marc Fraser Davis (March 30,1913- January 12, 2000).

Marc Davis was studying to be the next great fine artist. Sadly that style of artwork was not selling at the time. Marc needed a job and after being encouraged by friends to apply at Disney, he was hired, quickly becoming known as the “animal guy”. Marc said he spent more time at the zoo than many of the animals. This can be seen in some of his earliest work on Bambi. Early on, Marc was tasked with working on story sequences and the design of the characters. Walt wanted them to remain “animals” not cartoon characters. After working on the preproduction of the film for three years, Walt wanted to see Marc’s work on screen so he “made him an animator” by placing him with Milt Kahl and Frank Thomas for intense training. Marc’s early animation work can be seen during the War Effort on the incredible and influential Victory Through Air Power.

Victory Through Air Power

One of the finest films Marc had a hand in was Song of the South. In this film Marc got to really explore personality and acting. Soon his drawing talents pushed him to fill the role of “the leading lady”. His first leading lady was Cinderella. Walt Disney once said that the animated scene where Cinderella got her dress was his favorite animated sequence, one of Marc’s sequences. He then went on to Alice from Alice in Wonderland. This would set up perhaps his most famous character, Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell is, in my opinion, one of the greatest animated characters there is. Marc’s scene where Tink lands on a mirror and becomes self conscious of her hips is one that gets a laugh every time. Not only because it’s funny but it is very honest. I have seen a number of women (and men) walk past a mirror, quickly returning to it to adjust or evaluate their looks. It was attention to details like these that set Marc apart.

On Sleeping Beauty Marcs love for design and illustration really came through. Melificent’s design was inspired from his collection of art from the middle ages. Often, Marc would look at classic art for his design. When I met Marc, he told me the key to being a great artist was to always observe and build upon lessons of the past. Marc often spoke about the importance of great voice talent. He would design to fit the voice. This can be seen with Cruella De Ville, where Marc really shined.

After finishing 101 Dalmatians, Walt moved Marc over to work on the 1964 New York World’s Fair. His design work can be seen on everything from Abe Lincoln to Small World. Honest Abe was one of the most difficult tasks, Marc was put in charge of planning the movement and staging of the show. While the Lincoln exhibit was delayed for two weeks, once it opened people didn’t believe that the President was a robot and proceeded to get on stage for a closer look. Even the New York Times writer raved at the realism. Once the fair was over, all the attractions were moved back to Disneyland, and with them, so was Marc’s focus.

While visiting the park Marc noticed a lack of humor in the attractions. He talked Walt into allowing him to retool the Jungle Cruise, making it a humorous adventure. The addition of the elephant pool and the safari party stuck up the pole got great laughs and brought new life to an aging ride. Marc was handed the reigns of a “little pirate ride” where he came up with a number of stories that visitors would see as they flowed along in their boat. He went on to do design work for Country Bear Jamboree and The Haunted Mansion. As you dive deeper into the mansion via the elevator, you will see Marc’s paintings stretching.

Walt introducing Marc along with Haunted Mansion and “Pirates” to the world

Outside the studio, Marc often painted and collected a vast collection of New Guinea art with his talented wife Alice (who also designed costumes and attire at the studio). During my time with Marc one thing was clear, he was a happy fellow who had a deep love for all forms of art. In every Marc Davis illustration, you can see a story being told. The versatility he exhibited in moving from story to animation to theme parks is extremely rare and speaks to his talent, not only as an incredible draftsman or actor but as one of the finest story tellers at Disney.

Marc Davis-Disney Family Album

I hope you enjoyed this little history lesson and I look forward to posting more of these weekly.

Please leave comments or questions below.

Other Links: 

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Davis_(animator)

Disney Legends- Marc Davis: http://legends.disney.go.com/legends/detail?key=Marc+Davis

Marc Davis Collectors: http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/magazine/issue7/iss7p2.html

Artwork:http://tinyurl.com/marcdavisart