What a combination – America’s most collected living artist Thomas Kinkade and Disney.

Disney have recently opened their archives to Thomas Kinkade and his first picture which was released in August 2008 is based on the Disney version of Snow White, and in particular her first encounter with the Dwarves cottage.

Thomas Kinkade says about Disney and Snow White:

As a child my imagination was stirred by the great animated films of Walt Disney. Imagine my delight when Disney recently opened their archives to me as I prepared for my first-ever series of images inspired by classic Disney moments.

In the first piece of this series, Snow White’s world is alive with color. The Prince’s castle where Snow White will eventually discover happiness looms majestically in the distance, while a foaming waterfall and fanciful animals remind us that Snow White is at peace with all of nature. Of course, I also included my iconic colorful flowers which festoon the scene with hopeful reminders of spring.

I hope that Snow White Discovers the Cottage will be a fairy tale come true for Disney and Kinkade collectors everywhere.

Thomas Kinkade has also worked with Disney on two previous occasions with the Disneyland 50th Anniversary painting in 2005 and A New Day at Cinderella Castle in 2007.

Released in September 2005. Thomas Kinkade wrote of the Disneyland 50th Anniversary painting:

When the Disneyland 50th Anniversary gala was announced, I jumped at the chance to paint this place of golden memories. I set up my easel on Main Street to paint a plein air study of Sleeping Beauty Castle, soon to be festooned with decorations, flags, and banners celebrating Disneyland’s 50th. I couldn’t resist painting my own family among the crowd.

The drama of sunset suggests the end of an era at Disneyland, while the glowing lights at the base of the castle remind us that a new age of imagination and celebration awaits.

Released in October 2007. Thomas Kinkade wrote of A New Day at Cinderella Castle painting:

“Two of the dream-memories we take from childhood on our life’s journey, if we are fortunate, are the wonder and excitement of Disney World and the soaring majesty of castles.

Perhaps that is why the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Orlando, is such an enchanting inspiration to young and old. My family makes a pilgrimage to this favorite spot on every visit. This year, I went in my imagination to explore a vision of the regal castle gently kissed by the golden light of a perfect day.

A New Day at the Cinderella Castle discovers a morning every bit as festive and delightful as the castle itself. A double rainbow arcs over the towering castle; fluffy clouds dapple its many towers with light and shade. Lavish, rainbow-hued trees and shrubs frame the building; quaint gas lamps dance along the walkway.

I used a more whimsical style in keeping with the subject: Is Bambi on the lawn? Tinkerbell above the castle spires? The Ugly Duckling in the pond? You decide.”

With access to the Disney archive and Thomas Kinkade’s artistic talent there are sure to be many wonderful paintings arriving in the years to come.