Strong Poses!

There's nothing better than a clear strong pose. They speak for themselves really. This is from 'Duck Amuck' starring Daffy Duck which I recommend watching as it's possibly one of the best episodes of Daffy I've seen! 

"the presentation of any idea so that it is completely and unmistakably clear" 

- Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (The Illusion of Life)

Daffy Duck walk cycle from 'Duck Amuck' - 1953

Love the walk cycle, it's actually a four step cycle as the hand sways and takes 2 steps to reach from the back to the front and another 2 steps back again! Something interesting about this is the lowest position is also the contact and the highest is the passing position instead of the up and down positions being in between the contact and passing. I believe this is what gives it that 'lazy' bounce. It's such a wonderful walk the more I study it the more I keep discovering. I've just included the contact and passing positions below so you can see the swaying shoulder movement. 

Hoping to try something like this once I get some more basic walk cycles nailed!

Lollipop Trees! from "Boobs in the Woods" Daffy Duck cartoon (1948)

Love these trees by Richard H. Thomas!

Just look how observant Porky Pig is!

Weightlifting Turkey! from the Daffy Duck episode "Holiday for Drumsticks" 1949

Accurately showing weight in animation can be one of the hardest things to do. This is a shining example of how to do it right!

The whole body here is under the bar. Something so heavy is held close to our centre of gravity. Notice also how the stance has widened to prepare for the heave!

There is a very slow progression from this above frame to the one below, perfectly shows the weight and strain.

 Watch throughout the weight of his body gradually moves up his body.

(Above) the elbows pop out to push up the weight and (below) the arms are straight and locked pushing the weight up.

What I like is the arms come down slightly after the initial push up showing the weight applying force on the body. This follow through then precedes by a further slight push upwards as the weight becomes comfortable on his shoulders!

 Slapstick surprise ending. Unexpected is often key to being funny!

Daffy Duck take from "You Were Never Duckier"

Have a look at this completely insane take of Daffy Duck from 'You Were Never Duckier' (1948) 

This frame (above) looks like it shouldn't work, but it does so well. The dry brush shows the anticipation of the head turn.

 The pupils exaggerated delay adds to the disbelief. 

Doesn't make sense when you think about it that the glove suddenly flops down onto his face but you buy it when you see it.

 There are just a few lines on this last pose yet it has so much expression.