The popular American Artist Thomas Kinkade has died in San Francisco age 54. Kinkade’s work was often described as Kitsch and ridiculed by the artistic community in both his native California and nationally. The devout Christian once said that he had something in common with Walt Disney and Norman Rockwell and just wanted to make people happy.
Kinkade won success with his oil paintings that focused on idyllic landscapes, country cottages and churches. His highly popular work was a big seller for dealers across the United States. He produced sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in foggy morning light that were loved by many and ignored by the elite art critics. His work closely resembled Christmas cards with a retro 1950’s feel.
The “Painter of Light,” was one of the nation’s most collected living artist with over 10 m items sold, and his paintings and spin-off prints and products generated up to $100 million a year in sales. Eat your heart out Damien Hirst.
On his website he is described as,a mission that art be accessible for everyone to enjoy than the millions of Kinkade images that grace the walls of homes across America and around the world. Through a myriad of genres, Thom’s ability to present his subject in an idyllic setting inspires the viewer to imagine the world full of beauty, intrigue, and adventure.
After attending UC Berkeley and working as an artist in the film industry, Thom began publishing his images so that he could share his passion for beauty and art. Since that day over 25 years ago, Thom has painted over 1,000 masterworks covering topics that include, cabin and nature scenes, beautiful gardens, classic cottages, sports, inspirational content, lighthouses and powerful seascapes, impressionists, and classic Americana. Hidden in his paintings are messages that speak to Thom’s inspiration for each image. Whether including the initials of family members, hiding Disney characters, or imbedding hearts for special occasions and loved ones, each image contain treasures that add to their mystique.
Thom is also a prolific author and speaker. He has authored or has been the subject of over 140 books. He is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.Thom has won numerous awards and has been prolific in his charity work raising millions for various charities.
Thom continues to create inspiring, moving, and compelling art adding to a life’s work that is a testament to the confluence of passion, talent, and creativity with which Thom has been blessed. We trust his images will move you as profoundly as we are moved everyday by images that capture the imagination and move the soul.