Published March 2010


Image Sizes: 12"x18", 18"x27", 24"x36", 28"x42"

When I set myself the goal of creating the twelve epic paintings for the Disney Dreams Collection, I knew it would be a vast undertaking. After all, each painting in the series presents a vision of the entire movie in one image - what I like to call a "narrative panorama".

To suggest the moment of Bambi's empowerment, I positioned him on a rocky precipice overlooking the terrain of his kingdom and the four seasons of his first year. If you look closely, Bambi's self-sacrificing mother can be seen, as a half hidden image upon the distant mountain. Truly, a mother's love, like the spirit of the mighty mountains, will guide a son forever. The central theme of Bambi is the cycle of the seasons and the ongoing flow of life. Truly, water flows through the world like life itself - a timeless reminder that despite the passing seasons, nature thrives and a new generation is born.

I believe Bambi's First Year is the most breathtaking subject in my Disney Dreams Collection to date. I hope as you look at Bambi cresting the ridge of his domain, you too will feel empowered to live your best life and to count on a season of new beginnings, even when the challenges of life confront you. Truly for Bambi, and for us, life goes on.

-Thomas Kinkade