I was talking about this film with writer, George Clayton Johnson at the San Diego ComicCon a few months ago. He and Ray Bradbury wrote the screenplay for “Icarus.”

I also worked with Joe Mugnaini on “Concept” back in the sixties, and I still have some of Joe’s paintings at home. The film was produced and directed by my pal, Jim Fletcher. Magnaini was an awesome artist, and a nice guy.

For years I only knew of Mugnaini as a teacher and author. I bought his book, “The Hidden Elements of Drawing”, an instructional book about human figure drawing. That was my favorite book about figure drawing (as a young art student) because it showed the relationship of gesture to structure rather than presenting the human figure as a compilation of bones, muscle, and flesh. It was the perfect approach for my not-so-scientific mind.

I believe the jacket flap on the book described him as an instructor at Otis Art Institute and neglected to mention his involvement in animated film projects. It has only been in the last couple of years that I became aware of his animation work. Thanks for this post.

Joe Mugnaini was a lover of life. he was full of energy and always had this contagious smile. he ate up life. it was never dull being around joe.
and of course he was an amazing artist. there is so much i remember
about the man. and when i do,i have a smile on my face .
besides drawing trips to baja, i worked with joe and ray bradbury on the “icarus” film. i followed up the storyboard with a production board
that planned the number of paintings joe would have to execute and
how to move on the paintings .

Joe Mugnaini painted amazing images for that film. he painted his heart
out. but then he knew no other way to work and live.

thanks for the post because it is nice to think about joe again.

Cal Arts has a print of Icarus Montgolfier Wright in its film library. I’ve been wanting to see this film for some time. I’ve watched films at Cal Arts on a flatbed, but last time I checked they stopped doing that. You have to reserve time and pay for a projectionist to screen the film on campus, which would be a great way to see it. However, if anybody knows if the film exists somewhere else (online perhaps?) I’d love to know.

Thanks for the post and to the folks that shared their memories of Mr. Mugnaini. He’s an inspiration.

Now that’s creepy! But that’s the point isn’t it. Brilliant!

I’ve been a Joe fan nearly as long as I’ve been a Ray B fan…the latter being comic book days and the pair since I clung to a battered pb of October Country. My Mom burned my comic books the minute I left for college. Otherwise, she was a great Mom. Anyway, I want a copy of the book the second it’s off the press.
Meanwhile, I’ve discovered that I can buy Joe M. prints to hang in my livingroom. My kids think I’m crazy, starting a new collection at my age but, it’s my money and my life and Joe M is one of my joys…so there!!!