It is only in recent years, with the increased study of the animation art form, that the skill of the background artist has been recognized. Far more than a simple backdrop for character action, the creation of a good background involves the combination of several talents — staging, color styling, and lighting — while maintaining a “visual anonymity” with the viewing audience. Disney has had several superstar background artists: Sam Armstrong, Maurice Noble, Claude Coats, Walt Peregoy, Ralph Hulett, Thelma Witmer, Eyvind Earle, Frank Armitage — and Al Dempster. […]
