Think Pink!

Bambi Makes Some Extra Bucks Modeling at the Studio, acrylic on masonite, 24"x30"

This is a homage, albeit humorous, to Dorothy Dunn the founder of the Studio in Santa Fe that was so influential on Southwest Native art in the early-mid-part of the 20th century. It's fashionable to bash Bambi Art, but my understanding is that the blue deer has roots in Peublo kiva painting. Walt Disney purchased several pieces by Pop Chalee that featured the blue deer, and viola! Disney's Bambi was born. Many people think Dunn was too controlling of her students' subject matter and technique, which is true, but she still encouraged many artists, many of whom ultimately found their own style despite the rigidity of the Studio.