Mary Blair’s Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends

As a visionary artist for Walt Disney Studios in the 1940s and ’50s, Mary Blair created artwork for some of the most iconic animated film masterpieces and attractions in history, including Dumbo, Cinderella, and It’s a Small World. A college-educated woman in the 1930s, Mary was ambitious and independent, defying the expectations society placed on women at the time. In the male-dominated field of animation, she forged her own path and ultimately became one of Walt Disney’s most celebrated artists. 

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair is a picture book that inspires readers to learn more about the origins of beloved Disney animated films. Mary Blair introduced inventive color palettes to Walt Disney after a pivotal visit to South America in 1941, where “she had never seen such bright and happy colors before.” Her concept art dazzled with vivid colors, swirling shapes, and childlike imagination. Working with cut paper, she created whimsical forms that felt fresh and magical. Walt Disney couldn’t deny her extraordinary talent. 

Long before she became a legendary talent, Mary Blair was Mary Brown Robinson, a little girl growing up in Texas with grand aspirations. “Mary was a dreamer . . . she dreamed of being an artist.” Mary’s path wasn’t easy. Her parents, both creative but with limited means, often went without necessities so she could have art supplies. Even as a child, her imagination and talent stood out. 

Eventually, the family relocated to California, setting the stage for her future. Recognized early for her talent, she pursued a bachelor’s in art and advanced studies, challenging the norms of her era. “She later married another artist, named Lee, and became Mary Blair. They vowed to make art. But it was hard to make a living as an artist.” Still, Mary never gave up on her dream! 

In 1940, she secured a rare art position at Walt Disney Studios and created artwork for major animation projects, including Dumbo and Lady and the Tramp. These projects showcased Mary’s unmistakable talent. Seeking more artistic freedom, Mary briefly left Walt Disney Studios to work from her home studio and focus on fine art.

Soon after, she asked Walt Disney if she could join the art department’s research tour to South America—and he agreed. “Walt believed in magic, and he believed in Mary.” Her return from abroad marked a turning point in her career, as she rejoined Disney and created artwork for films like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. 

Mary’s belief in herself embodied true empowerment, and what followed was a legendary career. One of her most meaningful projects was It’s a Small World, a Disneyland attraction inspired by her South American travels and featuring animatronic dolls in traditional dress from cultures around the world. Her endearing artwork celebrated unity, goodwill, and global peace. 

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair uses vibrant illustrations and a playful font to bring the story to life. Young readers will enjoy the cheerful sequence of events and the large, colorful artwork on each page. With just one to seven short sentences per page, the text is easy to follow and accessible for early readers. An especially engaging page is dedicated to Spanish words for color names. Readers can use context clues and illustrations to infer the meanings of words like rosa and lavanda. 

The story offers adults an opportunity to discuss meaningful themes with children, such as boundless imagination, women’s empowerment, and appreciation for diverse cultures. Mary Blair was ahead of her time, and her perseverance and vision continue to encourage aspiring artists today. For Disney enthusiasts, learning about this pioneering artist offers deeper insight into the artistry behind classic animation. 

The book includes informative supplementary material at the end, featuring a note from illustrator Brittney Lee, a message from Mary Blair’s niece Maggie Richardson, a list of books Mary Blair wrote or illustrated, and a photograph of her with Walt Disney. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Maureen Lowe