Don Bluth, the iconic animator and director known for his work on films such as “The Secret of NIMH,” “An American Tail,” and “The Land Before Time,” has left an indelible mark on the world of animation and storytelling. His unique style and dedication to traditional hand-drawn animation techniques have served as an inspiration to budding animators, filmmakers, and educators alike. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to teaching students about the legendary Don Bluth and his impact on the world of animation.
Setting the Stage: A Brief Biography of Don Bluth
Begin your lesson by providing a brief biography of Don Bluth. Born in 1937 in El Paso, Texas, Bluth was fascinated by animation from an early age. As a teenager, he was accepted into the Disney Animation Program, eventually going on to become an animator, director, and producer in his own right. After leaving Disney, he founded his studio and produced some of the most beloved animated films of all time.
Exploring Don Bluth’s Filmography
To deepen your students’ understanding of Don Bluth’s work, screen select clips from some of his most well-known films. Discuss how each film demonstrates Bluth’s distinctive artistic style (e.g., rich color palettes, intricate backgrounds, fluid character animation), as well as themes that pervade his work (e.g., perseverance despite adversity, friendship, family). Some suggested films include:
1. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
2. An American Tail (1986)
3. The Land Before Time (1988)
4. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
5. Thumbelina (1994)
Analyzing Don Bluth’s Artistic Techniques
Now that your students are familiar with some of Don Bluth’s films, engage them in an art lesson where they learn to draw characters or scenery using Bluth’s unique style. Provide them with references and step-by-step instructions on how to create their hand-drawn animation cells or storyboards. Encourage students to share their work and discuss the process of creating their drawings.
Discussing Don Bluth’s Impact on the Animation Industry
Don Bluth’s contributions to animation extend beyond his films, as his work inspired many artists who followed in his footsteps and helped shape the industry as a whole. Encourage your students to research modern animators who have cited Bluth as an inspiration, such as Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Samurai Jack”) or Aaron Blaise (animator and director known for his work at Disney). Discuss how these animators incorporated elements of Bluth’s style into their work.
Conclusion
Don Bluth’s influence on the animation industry cannot be overstated, and his dedication to traditional hand-drawn animation continues to serve as a testament to the power of this art form. By introducing your students to Bluth’s work and examining his techniques, you can inspire them not only to appreciate the beauty of animation but also to pursue their artistic dreams.
