Kay Rasmus Nielsen\u00a0(1886 \u2013 1957) was an illustration from Denmark\u00a0who was active during the early 20th century, or “golden age of illustration”. Nielsen became successful in illustrating early twentieth century gift books. He also collaborated with Disney, providing them with a number\u00a0of story sketches and illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illustration from East of the Sun and West of the Moon<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Born in Copenhagen to actor parents, Nielsen went on the study fine art in Paris. His first commission was from Hodder and Stoughton in 1913 to illustrate the collection of fairy tales In Powder and Crinoline, Fairy Tales Retold by\u00a0Sir\u00a0Arthur\u00a0Quiller-Couch.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another illustration from East of the Sun and West of the Moon.\u00a0<\/em>(I\u00a0love\u00a0the\u00a0composition\u00a0and\u00a0stark\u00a0contrast\u00a0of\u00a0this!!\u00a0Wow!!)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Over the course of his career, Nielsen illustrated scenes from ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Puss in Boots’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Bluebeard’, ‘East of the Sun and West of the Moon’, ‘The Arabian Nights’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and the story of Joan of Arc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illustration from In Powder and Crinoline<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
In addition to doing illustration work, Nielsen dabbled in fine art and painted numerous landscapes of the Dover area. He learned with the Society of Tempera Painters to reduce the time involved in the painting process and held an exhibition of his work in New York before returning to Denmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illustration from Hansel and Gretel.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
In 1939, Nielsen moved to California and began working in Hollywood. He was personally recommended by Joe Grant to Walt Disney, and he was hired to produce concept art. His work was used in sequences of Fantasia<\/em>. He also introduced concept paintings for a film adaptation of The Little Mermaid<\/em>, which was released much later in 1989. Nielsen worked for The Walt Disney Company for 4 years before leaving for Denmark and staying there for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illustration from East of the Sun and West of the Moon<\/em>. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Cited<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wikiart, Kay Nielsen: http:\/\/www.artcyclopedia.com\/artists\/nielsen_kay.html<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wikipedia, Kay Nielsen: https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kay_Nielsen<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artcyclopedia, Kay Nielsen: http:\/\/www.artcyclopedia.com\/artists\/nielsen_kay.html<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my favourite illustrations of his. Love the smallness of the figure compared to the background. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
I love this one too! Great use of leading lines and colour.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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