Charles Solomon

In Walt Disney Animation Studios upcoming film, Frozen, the fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The Art of Frozen features concept art from the making of the film—including character studies and sculpts, color scripts, storyboards, and more—alongside interviews with the film's artists about the making of this comedy-adventure. © Disney

The Art of Frozen

The Beauty and the Beast legend has a universal appeal; the fairy tale exists in numerous versions throughout the world. During the process of being translated into a Disney film, Beauty and the Beast had several false starts. It was originally conceived as an eighteenth-century period piece, directed by the British husband-and-wife team of Richard and Jill Purdum. After some changes, two new directors, Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, were put in charge of the project. Although he was initially reluctant to do another animated film after The Little Mermaid, the late Howard Ashman came on board shortly after the new directors did. Over many months, the characters and story evolved further, but there were many changes, and wrong turns. Sequences were created, reworked, cut, and added as the film gradually emerged, like a statue from a block of marble. After all of the ups and downs, Beauty and the Beast was released in 1991 to rave reviews and record-breaking box-office business. The film was widely hailed as a technical and aesthetic breakthrough and remains the only animated feature ever to be nominated for an Oscar for best picture. This authoritative book features interviews with artists, voice-over actors, and executives, and transcripts of meetings and story sessions. Illustrations abound throughout, including sketches, caricatures, sequences of animation drawings, and preliminary artwork from discarded scenes. This book will be a must-have for any fan of the “Tale as Old as Time.”

The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast

Tale as Old as Time

The official behind-the-scenes art book for Cartoon Saloon's stunning new animated fantasy adventure, WolfWalkers Cartoon Saloon, the Irish animation studio behind the Academy Award-nominated films The Secret of Kells (2009), Song of the Sea (2014), and The Breadwinner (2017), returns in 2020 with its latest feature, WolfWalkers, coproduced with Melusine Productions and directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart. This mythic tale tells the story of a young hunter named Robyn, who, while tracking down a pack of dangerous and wild wolves, is transformed into the very thing she and her father have been seeking to destroy. Filled with exclusive hand-drawn sketches, paintings, interviews, and digital renderings that showcase Cartoon Saloon's unique artistic style, The Art of WolfWalkers takes fans behind the scenes of one of animation's most celebrated studios. Through exclusive commentary and interviews with cast and crew, including directors Moore and Stewart, renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon showcases the craft and skill behind some of the most lovingly detailed and imaginative 2-D animation currently being produced.

The Art of Wolfwalkers

With its kind heroine who receives her just reward-and a dashing prince-with the help of her Fairy Godmother, "Cinderella" is one the most beloved fairy tales throughout the world. Although the most popular versions appeared in Charles Perrault's Histoires ou contes du temps pass ("Stories or Fables of Times Past") (1697) and the Grimms' "Fairy Tales" (1812), the story can be traced back to the story of Rhodopis, a Greek slave girl who marries the pharoah of Egypt, which Strabo recorded in the first century B.C.E. In the late nineteenth century, British follklorist Marian Roalfe Cox catalogued 345 variations of the story. For more than two thousand years, children and adults have read and watched as Cinderella endured cruel mistreatment without complaining-and met her prince before the stroke of midnight. A Wish Your Heart Makes will trace the history of the fairy tale, emphasizing its strong ties to Walt Disney and his studio. Major artists who illustrated the story of Cinderella range from Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Burne-Jones, and Walter Crane, to Gustave Dor , Edmund Dulac, John B. Gruelle, and Arthur Rackham. The story has been adapted to the stage many times, including the operas La Cenerentola by Giacomo Rossini and Cendrillon by Jules Massenet, the ballet by Sergei Prokofiev, and musical adaptations by Rogers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim. There have been scores of Cinderella films, beginning with a black and white short in 1907. But the most celebrated is Walt Disney's, one of his most beloved fairy tales-and the film that saved his studio, which had languished in the doldrums after the end of World War II. Years later, when a lunch guest asked Disney what his favorite piece of animation done at his studio, he replied, "I think it would be when Cinderella got her ball gown." The book will conclude with the making of the 2015 live-action film Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh, including interviews with Branagh, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham-Carter, Anthony Caron-Delion, Patrick Doyle, Dante Ferretti, Derek Jacobi, Lilly James, Aline Brosh McKenna, and Chris Weitz.

From the Grimm Brothers' Aschenputtel to Disney's Cinderella

A Wish Your Heart Makes

A work of epic scale and drama beyond any previous animated film, "The Prince of Egypt" pioneers a new kind of animation that is as versatile as live-action filmmaking. This fascinating book shows how skillful storytelling and the latest digital technology and incredible artistry were combined in its creation. 500 illustrations, 350 in color.

Prince of Egypt

El arte de Frozen

Disney's Lost Art is a deluxe celebration of the visual development of shorts, scenes, and entire feature length films by Walt Disney Animation Studios that, for one reason or another, never made it to the screen. The book will be divided into three sections. The first part will focus on animation drawings, story sketches, and concept art created for vintage scenes that were cut from shorts and features including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Rescuers. The second section will be dedicated entirely to Wild Life, a Disney feature film that was never finished. Part Three will be devoted to My Peoples, another unfinished feature. Disney fans and art enthusiasts will delight in this exclusive look at an untold piece of Disney history.

Exploring the Hidden Artwork from Never-Produced Animation

Disney Lost and Found

Walt Disney once wisely said, "There is more treasure in books than in all pirates' loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main . . . and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." No doubt Walt was referring to the intangible wealth of opportunities for learning and imagining inherent in the act of reading, but when one considers the vibrant art and gilded spines of the Disney Golden Books, Walt's pronouncement takes on a parallel meaning. For perhaps no other children's books are as cherished and collected-as though they were doubloons and jewels-than the Disney Golden Books. The history of these books began in 1933, when the president of Whitman Publishing wrote a letter to Walt Disney. Whitman had already published compilations of the "Dick Tracy" and "Little Orphan Annie" comic strips, and these Big Little Books had met with great success. The publisher proposed a similar collection of the "Mickey Mouse" comic strips, and offered a royalty of one-half percent per book. Walt agreed, and a new era in Disney publishing commenced. A remarkable lineup of talent, many of whom were Disney Studio artists- including Mary Blair, Alice and Martin Provensen, Gustaf Tenggren, Al Dempster, Retta Scott Worcester, and Bill Peet-created the illustrations for the early Disney Golden Books. The bold and incredibly detailed artwork was painstakingly executed in gouache and watercolor-media that required a steady hand and immense patience and precision. The resulting publications became favorite selections in the libraries of many children, among them, future generations of Disney and Pixar artists who were inspired to draw, dream, and later, create their own films and Golden Books. The Art of the Disney Golden Books celebrates a legacy that has now thrived for more than eighty years and continues to influence new generations of artists and filmmakers. Through interviews with contemporary animators who recall tracing the characters in their childhood Disney Golden Books, paintings by artists who influenced and inspired the Disney Golden Book illustrations, and a generous complement of Golden Book artwork-much of which was thought to have been lost until very recently-the rich tradition of the series is explored in this vibrant volume. From Peter Pan and Cinderella to Toy Story and Tangled, the Disney Golden Books are displayed in all their glory, evoking a poignant sense of wonder and nostalgia. For as long as parents and children partake in the ritual of reading together at bedtime, the Disney Golden Books will continue to be published, enjoyed, and treasured.

The Art of the Disney Golden Books

With its themes of a beautiful princess, a dashing prince, and love triumphing over powerful magic, "Sleeping Beauty" remains one of the most beloved of all fairy tales. The story was first published by Charles Perrault in 1697. Perrault's vision of the ageless, enchanted princess slumbering in her vine-encrusted tower has fascinated readers and artists for more 300 years three times as long as the heroine slept. This heavily-illustrated book will trace the history of that fascination, which has manifested itself in literature, fine art, poetry, music, and film. The most celebrated cinematic version of Sleeping Beauty is Walt Disney's, the glorious finale of the animated fairy tales he began in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Although Briar Rose/Aurora was the most beautiful and beautifully animated of the Disney princesses, the film was dominated by Maleficent: Perrault's shriveled old fairy was transformed into the epitome of the lovely but terrible sorceress of fantasy literature. The book will conclude with the development and creation of Maleficent, including interviews with Angelina Jolie, Imelda Staunton, Linda Woolverton, Sean Bailey, Joe Roth, Don Hahn, and director Robert Stromberg (Oscar-winning art director of Avatar and Alice in Wonderland); behind-the-scenes details and photography; costumes, props, and makeup; and plenty of movie magic!

From Perrault's Sleeping Beauty to Disney's Maleficent

Once Upon a Dream

In Disney Princess, nostalgic fans and collectors finally have the chance to get a closer look at how each of the princesses came to be. This spectacular, eye-catching package serves as the definitive celebration and history of the Disney princess from 1937 to 2019. For every classic Disney fairytale, the Disney princess has always been the beating heart and soul--the magic ingredient that ties the masterpiece together. - Filled with never-before-seen concept art from various archival collections within Disney - Features over 200 colorful images - Includes a brief history of how and why Disney began developing princess characters Each chapter of this stunning book focuses on a princess and the visual development of each Disney princess. Organized chronologically by release date, this serves as a comprehensive history of the princesses. - Features Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Anna & Elsa, and Moana - A must-have for collectors of all things Disney, especially nostalgic Disney memorabilia - Perfect for those who loved The Art of the Disney Princess by Disney Book Group, Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Disney Beauty and the Beast by Charles Solomon, and The Art and Flair of Mary Blair: An Appreciation by John Canemaker. (c)2020 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A Celebration of Art and Creativity

The Disney Princess

Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 takes viewers back to the story that started it all. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, and Hamm—alongside a surprising cast of new toys—return to the big screen for a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D. In The Art of Toy Story 3 internationally renowned animation historian Charles Solomon takes readers through the technical challenges, triumphs, and emotional hurdles that faced the Pixar team as they developed the toys' adventure. The Art of Toy Story 3 includes an extended introduction showcasing the story and visual development behind the first two films, as well as a gallery of over 250 pieces of concept art. Featuring storyboards, character studies, color keys, reference photos, environment art, and a special color scripts by art director Daisuke Tsutsumi, this ebook provides a memorable narrative of the entire Toy Story trilogy.

The Art of Toy Story 3

Imagination. It’s an innate quality that every child seems to possess in immeasurable quantities. Imagination allows children to create wonderful worlds in which to relate to their friends, envision their futures, and, of course, play with their toys. More often than not, imagination is a quality that diminishes with age, as fantasy worlds are replaced by “the real world” and inquiring young minds are forced to grow up. But there are those among us, who, like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, never stop using their imaginations, envisioning their futures, and, most importantly in this context, playing with their toys. A select group of these individuals—and their unfettered imaginations—are the reason that the Toy Story films came to be. The Toy Story Films: An Animated Journey tells the tale of the incredibly talented visionaries who conceived, developed, and ultimately shared Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys with the entire world. Their story is recounted within these pages through candid interviews with the animators, directors, and voice actors who brought the films to life; artwork that inspired, grew into, or became a part of the iconic movies; and untold details of the growth and development of one of the most lucrative and artistically significant film series ever. It serves as a lesson to us all that we are never too old to use our imagination—and play with our toys.

An Animated Journey

Toy Story Films, The (Foreword by Hayao Miyazaki / Afterword by John Lasseter)

An illustrated overview of writer/director/animator Mamoru Hosoda's Academy Award–nominated movies and career, including previously unpublished storyboards, background paintings, character designs, and concept art Journey into the mind and creative process of one of the most celebrated anime directors working today with The Man Who Leapt Through Film: The Art of Mamoru Hosoda. Written by renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon (The Art of WolfWalkers, Abrams 2020) and featuring exclusive interviews alongside hundreds of never-before-seen sketches, storyboards, background paintings, character designs, and concept art, this is the ultimate companion piece to Hosoda's work. Writer/director/animator Mamoru Hosoda’s work includes Belle (2021), the Academy Award–nominated Mirai (2018); The Boy and the Beast (2015); Wolf Children (2012); Summer Wars (2009); and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006). He is the cofounder of Studio Chizu, one of Japan's premier animation studios.

The Art of Mamoru Hosoda

The Man Who Leapt Through Film

Journey into the mind and creative process of one of the most celebrated anime directors working today with The Man Who Leapt Through Film: The Art of Mamoru Hosoda. Written by renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon (The Art of WolfWalkers, Abrams 2020) and featuring exclusive interviews alongside hundreds of never-before-seen sketches, storyboards, background paintings, character designs, and concept art, this is the ultimate companion piece to Hosoda's work.00Writer/director/animator Maroru Hosoda?s work includes the Academy Award?nominated Mirai (2018); The Boy and the Beast (2015); Wolf Children (2012); Summer Wars (2009); and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006). He is the cofounder of Studio Chizu, one of Japan's premier animation studios.

The Art of the Animated Image: Without special title

Rhion Magee

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the film company DreamWorks SKG to find out out it created the story of Moses and Rameses in the film The Prince of Egypt. Pioneering a new kind of animation that is as versatile as live-action filmmaking, the style combines the illustrations of Gustave Dore, the paintings of Claude Monet and the cinematogrophy of David Lean.

A New Vision in Animation

The Prince of Egypt

Lee Mendelson

Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the forty-five animated Peanuts specials, including concept art and interviews.

Celebrating Fifty Years of Television Specials

The Art and Making of Peanuts Animation

Hundreds of full-color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs accompany a definitive chronicle of the history of animation, from magic-lantern shows, through the art of Walt Disney and the growth of cartoon characters, to Beavis and Butthead.

The History of Animation

Enchanted Drawings

Presents a wealth of drawings, paintings, and other Disney art from feature films, shorts, and other projects that were never completed, including early versions of Fantasia, accompanied by a discussion of each work.

The Stories and Art from Five Decades of Unproduced Animation

The Disney That Never Was

DisneyPixar's next leap forward will take viewers back to the story that started it all. This summer, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, and Hammalongside a surprising cast of new toysreturn to the big screen in Toy Story 3, a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D. In The Art of Toy Story 3 internationally renowned animation historian Charles Solomon takes readers through the technical challenges, triumphs, and emotional hurdles that faced the Pixar team as they developed the toys' new adventure. The Art of Toy Story 3 includes an extended introduction showcasing the story and visual development behind the first two films, as well as a gallery of over 250 pieces of concept art. Featuring storyboards, character studies, color keys, reference photos, environment art, and a special gatefold of Toy Story 3 color scripts by art director Daisuke Tsutsumi, this deluxe volume provides a memorable narrative of the entire Toy Story trilogy.

Charles Solomon

About

Books

Join the club