"The Painter of Light," Thomas Kinkade

American artist, Thomas Kinkade's journey across America in a boxcar started off his career as an artist with a bang! He and his friend and fellow artist, James Gurney, sketched America's landscapes at several stops along the way and presented them to Norman Rockwell's publisher in New York City for approval to write a book called, "The Artists Guide to Publishing." Soon after the book was published. Thomas Kinkade had by now graduated from The University of Berkeley in Berkeley, Califoria and also the Art Center of Design in Pasadena, California. His next big career step was offered to him soon after his book was published and he accepted the job of creating the artwork for the film "Fire and Ice," an animated movie. It wasn't long and he was selling his artwork to galleries throughout California, publishing books, appearing on talk shows on TV and speaking to civic clubs, schools and church groups all across the country. He recently celebrated his 20th year anniversary as an American artist, bringing joy and peace to millions of people world wide.

Thomas Kinkade was inspired by the Saturday Evening Post magazines his mother collected when he was young. His love for Norman Rockwell began and he spent his childhood years creating pictures for his mother to hang on the refrigerator and the walls of their home. Family and Christian values are important to him and his love for family is seen in his artwork and his books. In 1982 Thomas Kinkade married his childhood sweetheart, Nanette and they have since had four daughters. Thomas says that he hides the letter "N" in many of his pictures as a tribute to his wife. He also hides his daughters names in his paintings. Have you ever noticed them?

Thomas Kinkade's background work on the film "Fire and Ice" inspired him to work with light in his paintings. Also, many of his paintings are inscribed with scripture verses from the Bible. His painting "A Light in the Storm" is taken from John 8:12, "I am the Light of the world." Other paintings, books and devotionals are sold in Christian bookstores, malls and department stores all over the world. I wrote this (just after writing "The Life of Norman Rockwell") and also after breaking my Thomas Kinkade coffee mug when knocking it off of my desk. It has been a favorite for over 10 years and I used it every day! Now I have to shop for a new one! I hope you enjoy Thomas Kinkade's artwork as much as I do.

His many awards include not only awards for raising money for different charitable organizations, but also a 1995 Lithograph of the Year award and 1995 National Association of Limited Edition Dealers Artist of the Year award. He has been named artist of the year six times by the NALED. He is also featured in many popular magazines, television and radio stations all over the world. He has written over 140 books and has been named best selling author by both the New York Times and U.S.A Today.

I am updating this today, April 10, 2012 with great regret. My favorite artist, Thomas Kinkade passed away last week on April 6th. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family as this is a very sad event. Thomas Kinkade has made a huge impact on the lives of many people all over the world and he and his work will be greatly missed.