Best known for his animation work for the heaviest of hitters–Walt Disney Studios, Hanna Barbera and Filmation–Wes Herschensohn lived an incredibly accomplished life in his short 57 years. Having collaborated with Pablo Picasso on an animated short, he also conceived, animated, and co-produced “The Picasso Summer” starring Albert Finney and Yvette Mimieux for Warner Brothers, based on a Ray Bradbury story in 1969.

A year before first meeting Picasso at a dinner in Cannes in 1964, Herschensohn produced the following sequential futuristic water-colored illustrations. Each has rhyming captions penciled on the back, which we have included in the image caption. Whether they were used or intended for an animation is unknown to us.

“…Though frightful things may leer and nod, where never man before has trod…” Wes Herschensohn original “I”. From the International Museum of Cartoon Art collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (click to enlarge)

…”The air seemed filled with wondrous ships, returning from undreamed of trips…” Wes Herschensohn original “II”. From the International Museum of Cartoon Art collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (click to enlarge)

…”Man could leap himself into the air, and fly or journey anywhere, without a second thought or care”… Wes Herschensohn original “III”. From the International Museum of Cartoon Art collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (click to enlarge)

…”Saw sight after wondrous sight, and watched from some astounding height, a population all in flight!”… Wes Herschensohn original “IV”. From the International Museum of Cartoon Art collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (click to enlarge)