My copy of "Bambi - The Sketchbook Series"

It finally arrived! My very own copy of "Bambi - The Sketchbook Series". So I thought I might share some thoughts around the book and answer some questions about it if you have any.

First and foremost, it is a beautiful book with no focus other than showing rough sketches by the nine old men and other Disney artists. So for an animation/illustration fanatic, this book suites me perfectly. But that is said with the fact in mind that I only had to pay $25 for my copy. I'm seeing the other sketchbooks go for $800 to $1400 and I can't see myself buying those books anytime soon, even though I consider myself to be a collector. There are scans scattered around the web which will give you most of the satisfaction, just not the big one that is holding the book in your hands. Which in my opinion, is worth $200 at most. But I guess that is for each person and wallet to decide :)
To sum up, if you can find a copy for a reasonable price. Do yourself a favor and buy a gift for yourself. This book is a great addition to any Disney fans bookshelf.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I'll try and answer it as quickly as possible.

Below are some photos taken from my iPhone so I apologize for the quality.

The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression - Gary Faigin

I wouldn't call this an essential book, but it's nice to have. Start of with Stop Staring, would be my suggestion.

Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation - Wayne Gilbert

DONT buy this book for $100+ from amazon. Buy it directly from Waynes website. Way cheaper and the money goes to the right person :) http://www.anamie.com/

Figure Drawing for all it's Worth - Andrew Loomis

Description
The illustrator Andrew Loomis (1892-1959) is revered amongst artists - including comics superstar Alex Ross - for his mastery of figure drawing and his clean, realist style. His hugely influential series of art instruction books have never been bettered, and "Figure Drawing" is the first in Titan's programme of facsimile editions, returning these classic titles to print for the first time in decades.

Dynamic Figure Drawing - Burne Hogarth

Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators - Mike Mattesi

Moonshine - Dreamworks Artists.. After Dark

The Sketchbook Series - Disney

No longer in print!

Framed Ink - Drawing and Composition For Visual Storytellers

What did I think?

I have not read this book yet!

Blacksad (Comic)

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What did I think?

This was the comic that made me want to read more comics. It might have been a bad idea to start with this one though, because (too steal a quote from Stan Lee) this is as good as it gets. Everything from the story to the artwork is top notch, and nothing I've read has come close to this kind of perfection. 

And why I'm writing about Blacksad in a blog about animation books, is because the art is stunning! If you want something to light the inspiration fire in your head, Blacksad is probably the perfect thing for you.

Do I recommend this, hell yes!

Synopsis from Wikipedia:

Rendered in a film noir style, the stories are set in late 1950s America. All of the characters are anthropomorphic animals whose species reflects their personality, character type and role in the story. Animal stereotypes are often used: for example, nearly all of the policemen are canids, such as German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and foxes, while underworld characters are often reptiles or amphibians. Attractive female characters are sometimes depicted as cats.

The strip attempts at recreating a dirty-realist outlook and a dark cinematic style through fairly clean, realistic lines. Very detailed watercolor drawings, including real-life places and cities, also contribute to the realistic feel of the series, despite the fact that characters are animals. The style of drawing has evolved throughout the series, with later issues displaying sharper, higher-quality colour and fewer grainy lines.

Edit: A fourth volume has been published, but has not been translated into English.

A Disney Sketchbook (Not Yet Released)

I cannot recommend this book since it hasn't come out. But I have looked in the previous Disney sketchbooks, and oh my... If this book offers the same kind of sketches I will probably buy two, and no I'm not joking :)

I'll keep you updated and write as soon as this book comes out.

Drawn to Life - Walt Stanchfield