Toby Bluth

Toby Bluth
Born
Frederick L. Bluth

(1940-07-11)July 11, 1940
Texas, United States
DiedOctober 31, 2013(2013-10-31) (aged 73)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Painter, animator, background artist, production designer, theater director, film director
Years active1977–2013
RelativesDon Bluth (brother)

Frederick L. "Toby" Bluth (July 11, 1940 – October 31, 2013) was an American illustrator who worked on many Disney films and others as animator, background artist, and production designer.[1] He had a long career writing and illustrating children's books, as well as performing and directing, nearly one hundred musicals, both on Broadway and off.[2] His artwork is prominently displayed at most of the Disney theme parks around the world. He was the younger brother of Don Bluth, whom he collaborated with on both theater and animation.

Style

Gustaf Tenggren[3] was a big inspiration throughout Bluth's career.[2] When asked how he approached each of his watercolor masterpieces, Toby described his intent as

Creating the moment that you think you saw ... How one remembers a film is often different from the actual film itself.[4]

In addition to his work on Disney films, Bluth created a large portfolio of erotic gay art, as well as commissioned illustrations for gay businesses and publications like The Advocate.[5]

Death

He died on October 31, 2013, in Los Angeles, California, following a stroke. He was survived by his long time partner, Jack Griffith, and his older brother Don Bluth.[6]

Filmography

Film Year Credit
Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers 2004 Art director
The Tigger Movie 2000 Additional background artist / Stylist
Babes in Toyland 1997 Director / Lyricist / Background designer / Character designer
The Story of Santa Claus 1996 Director
Alvin and the Chipmunks 1983 Character designer / Production designer
The Smurfs 1981 Background stylist
A Chipmunk Christmas 1981 Production designer
Banjo the Woodpile Cat 1979 Writer (uncredited)

Books written and illustrated by Toby Bluth

  • Bluth, Toby; Barnhart, Philo (1995). Disney's Cinderella. Dreams come true. Mouse Works. ISBN 978-1-57082-242-1. OCLC 32815908 – via Internet Archive.
  • Bluth, Toby (1994). Disney's Dopey Loses the Diamonds. Mouse Works. ISBN 978-1-57082-150-9. OCLC 35086264.
  • Bluth, Toby (1994). Disney's Snow White's Escape. Mouse Works. ISBN 978-1-57082-153-0. OCLC 32320556.
  • Bluth, Toby; Bluth, Brad (1985). Tenderfoot. Chicago: Childrens Press. ISBN 978-0-516-09166-2. OCLC 12998647.
  • Bluth, Brad; Bluth, Toby (1983). Siegfried's Silent Night. Milwaukee, Wis.: Ideals Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0-8249-8059-7. OCLC 10188627.

References

  1. ^ "Frederick L. Bluth". Mormon Literature & Creative Arts Database. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  2. ^ a b "Toby Bluth at ED Chasen Fine Art". Archived from the original on 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  3. ^ "Gustaf Tenggren IMDb profile". IMDb. Archived from the original on 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  4. ^ "ART THAT MOVES THE HEART - Toby Bluth". Archived from the original on 2007-09-04. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  5. ^ Harrity, Christopher. "#TBT: The Erotic Art of Toby Bluth". The Advocate. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Toby Bluth R.I.P." - article by Jerry Beck on Animation Scoop; November 6, 2013; retrieved November 6, 2013.