Mary Blair was born in 1911 in Oklahoma and knew from a young age that she wanted to be an illustrator. She took art lessons and entered competitions to improve her skills. Blair was originally hired by Walt Disney as a sketch artist but was let go because her unique style did not fit with other Disney artists at the time. However, after three months Disney wanted to incorporate more color and dramatic images into his films, so he rehired Blair as a lead artist. She went on to work on popular Disney movies like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. Blair was also the creative lead on the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney World in Florida.

1. Mary Blair,
Disney
Artist

2. Her Life
● Mary was born in
McAlester, OK in
1911.
● Even at a young age
she knew she wanted
to become an
illustrator.
● She took art lessons
and entered art
competitions, which
she often won.

3. Mary Blair is best known for her work
with Disney. She was hired by Walt
Disney as a sketch artist but at the time
her art style didn’t match the style of
other Disney Artist so she was let go or
fired.
After 3 months, Walt Disney wanted to
create movies with more color and
dramatic images. He thought Mary’s
style would be perfect for his new
projects so she was hired again as a lead
artist. She worked on popular Disney
movies like Peter Pan, Cinderella and
Alice in Wonderful. Also, she was the
creative lead artist for the “It’s A Small
World” ride at Disney World in Florida.
Her Work

4. Pocket Full of Colors by Amy Guglielmo
and Jacqueline Tourville, Illustrated by
Brigette Barrager It’s a Small World Ride
(13 mins)

5. Did you know Cartoonist are Artist too?
Are you curious to see how your favorite cartoon was
created?
What did you like best about Mary Blair’s artwork?
Respond on Schoology with a typed response or record
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