The Reluctant Dragon released in 1941 June 20th. gouache on watercolour 6 x 6.
This is Disneys 4th film released - as a short'. The DVD has 3 other short cartoons on it including Ferdinand The Bull & Johnny Appleseed & Goliath 2 (a very tiny elephant), from what I read the film when released was different than the DVD version. I was reluctant to share this gem, heehee it is not a favourite. I can't deny, when painting the dragon, I thought- he is cute lovable & kind. The reluctant Dragon - is reluctant to fight & kill - he's more interested in poetry & picnics. It's cute. The animation not to the scale as the first 3 features - but from the dates I can see & assume Disney was putting something out- while working on the next full feature... Dumbo!
The film was released in the middle of the Disney animators' strike of 1941. Strikers picketed the film's premiere with signs that attacked Disney for unfair business practices, low pay, lack of recognition, and favoritism. It reminds me of Jurassic Punk - documentary - a tale as old as time? Same issues & concerns for cartoonist, decades earlier. Where would Disney, Warner Brother - pretty much "Hollywood" be without the people behind the scenes - who literally are the ones "creating"?
As well as camera crews, electrical people... Actors also deal with more than they anticipate, it's got to be difficult on family life - especially for small children who don't understand "all the hype". Still, I am grateful for many who do share their gift to entertain & educate. I am thrilled & a cartoonist because of Disney, grateful for the introduction to my love, passion and now painting!
I only painted one image from this film but already have a few ideas of what I'll paint from Dumbo. I am learning about each film as I go along and watching with wiser' eyes than I watched many, many moons ago. Seeing much of them in a new light. A sign of the times. - Wait - holy dragon... it just hit me- this might be my favourite Disney ever. We need to be the Reluctant Dragon, enjoying himself, her self - I don't know. Choosing to have tea, before fighting. Always.
Fighting over what others "think", about how someone should be. Hmmmph... I might paint another.
Time - to paint and keep it toasty', the dogs are not allowed out to roam, nor are they expressing any desire to do so. It's gonna get cold. Frostbite happens! A friend had a cat with no ears, found outside freezing one night. To pets & humans. Stay safe but enjoy all this beautiful snow! There are all kinds of activities happening, amazing trails with nice restaurants, skiing, wolves, restaurants - I've yet to sample one my tummy' didn't like. There are also many small business Hotels, motels, that usually come with stunning views & all sorts of suggestions on what to do'.
It's a healthy way for a family to BE active & happy, enjoyable weekend!
It really is a 'winter wonderland'. Canada in the winter! Nothing like it, eh!
Be the reluctant dragon - Go have a picnic!
This is Disneys 4th film released - as a short'. The DVD has 3 other short cartoons on it including Ferdinand The Bull & Johnny Appleseed & Goliath 2 (a very tiny elephant), from what I read the film when released was different than the DVD version. I was reluctant to share this gem, heehee it is not a favourite. I can't deny, when painting the dragon, I thought- he is cute lovable & kind. The reluctant Dragon - is reluctant to fight & kill - he's more interested in poetry & picnics. It's cute. The animation not to the scale as the first 3 features - but from the dates I can see & assume Disney was putting something out- while working on the next full feature... Dumbo!
The film was released in the middle of the Disney animators' strike of 1941. Strikers picketed the film's premiere with signs that attacked Disney for unfair business practices, low pay, lack of recognition, and favoritism. It reminds me of Jurassic Punk - documentary - a tale as old as time? Same issues & concerns for cartoonist, decades earlier. Where would Disney, Warner Brother - pretty much "Hollywood" be without the people behind the scenes - who literally are the ones "creating"?
As well as camera crews, electrical people... Actors also deal with more than they anticipate, it's got to be difficult on family life - especially for small children who don't understand "all the hype". Still, I am grateful for many who do share their gift to entertain & educate. I am thrilled & a cartoonist because of Disney, grateful for the introduction to my love, passion and now painting!
I only painted one image from this film but already have a few ideas of what I'll paint from Dumbo. I am learning about each film as I go along and watching with wiser' eyes than I watched many, many moons ago. Seeing much of them in a new light. A sign of the times. - Wait - holy dragon... it just hit me- this might be my favourite Disney ever. We need to be the Reluctant Dragon, enjoying himself, her self - I don't know. Choosing to have tea, before fighting. Always.
Fighting over what others "think", about how someone should be. Hmmmph... I might paint another.
Time - to paint and keep it toasty', the dogs are not allowed out to roam, nor are they expressing any desire to do so. It's gonna get cold. Frostbite happens! A friend had a cat with no ears, found outside freezing one night. To pets & humans. Stay safe but enjoy all this beautiful snow! There are all kinds of activities happening, amazing trails with nice restaurants, skiing, wolves, restaurants - I've yet to sample one my tummy' didn't like. There are also many small business Hotels, motels, that usually come with stunning views & all sorts of suggestions on what to do'.
It's a healthy way for a family to BE active & happy, enjoyable weekend!
It really is a 'winter wonderland'. Canada in the winter! Nothing like it, eh!
Be the reluctant dragon - Go have a picnic!
