Thomas Kinkade, one of nation's most popular painters, dies suddenly in Los Gatos at 54

mercurynews.com ^ | April 6, 2012 | Mike Rosenberg

[Free ThinkerNY]

Thomas Kinkade, the "Painter of Light" and one of most popular artists in America, died suddenly Friday at his Los Gatos home. He was 54.

His family said in a statement that his death appeared to be from natural causes.

"Thom provided a wonderful life for his family,'' his wife, Nanette, said in a statement. "We are shocked and saddened by his death.''

His paintings are hanging in an estimated 1 of every 20 homes in the United States. Fans cite the warm, familiar feeling of his mass-produced works of art, while it has become fashionable for art critics to dismiss his pieces as tacky. In any event, his prints of idyllic cottages and bucolic garden gates helped establish a brand -- famed for their painted high lights -- not commonly seen in the art world.

"I'm a warrior for light," Kinkade told the Mercury News in 2002, alluding not just to his technical skill at creating light on canvas but to the medieval practice of using light to symbolize the divine. "With whatever talent and resources I have, I'm trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel."

[Aria]

I know someone who has worked for Kinkade for at least 10 years. My son just called him and the guy said they’re all screwed but mostly they’re upset for his kids...4 little girls apparently.

[zigmeisterxiv]

Can I shill for my sister’s work???

http://www.artupstairs.com/

aloha

zig

[21twelve]

I think I saw that in a “news magazine” type show - but it is a restaurant/bar. I think it was there that some guy stole one of the paintings during the New Year’s party. It was returned later!

[freedumb2003]

You're entitled to like and to buy whatever you want to hang on your wall, but Thomas Kinkade would best be described as a technically proficient cartoonist who knew how to tap a vein of sentimentality with the scenes he cranked out prolifically.

Evaluating art ends up being like evaluating wine. In the end, when you make it past the "nose" and "varietal" and even "color" (do a few black glass tastings and your Chardonnays and Merlots collide more than most know), it is about what you like.

The same is true for art. Norman Rockwell, in his time, was considered to be a sell-out to what we would now call Conservative Values. He wasn't "cutting edge." He wasn't changing the paradigm." But I 100% guarantee his "haircut" is extremely evocative (as a simple example). Art is what makes you feel good.

[Psalm 144]

“Sorry for his passing.

His “art” was vapid and sophomoric.”

It was not to my tastes, but aesthetics are personal. I certainly admire his dedication and joy in his vocation, and am sorry he passed so soon. He brought a lot of joy to a lot of people.

[aruanan]

Art is what makes you feel good.

How modern in its reductionism.

[SatinDoll]

Velvet paintings are what is known in the art business as “kitsch”.

Wikipedia has a good article on the subject, and by no means should you feel insulted by the term.

[Secret Agent Man]

Well, here’s hoping that perhaps that statement “they are all screwed” is premature or an over-reaction at an intense time for the family. I can’t imagine Kincaid’s family has already decided the whole thing is over and will be shut down. Those workers he has in his studio have learned all the techniques (maybe not every person knows everything) for making those paintings and would have enough talent to keep producing paintings.

[ADemocratNoMore]

Just a few thoughts on Kinkade and his art. As somebody who can't draw a stick figure to save his life I have tremendous respect for Mr. Kinkade, (or for that matter some art student in 6th grade) who can. While his subjects could be a little “schmaltzy” at times, I totally agree with another poster here who said that many of the scenes created by Kinkade looked like real neat places to live. There is probably a term for his style that I don't have in my vocabulary, but I would call it “imaginary idealism realism”. He may not have followed all the rules of his craft the way some would like but I've seen far worse. Compare Kinkade with true BAD art here...

http://www.museumofbadart.org/collection/

We live in a true golden age of creativity, where so many people have the opportunity to explore their creative talents. Diversity in this arena is a good, no, great thing as it allows for a huge variety of individual styles, which, if you don't like them, you don't have to look at them or buy them for that matter.

As far as poker playing dogs go, count me as a fan. For a series of pictures to be over 100 years old and still maintain their appeal tells me that they are indeed something special. Special enough that, on February 15, 2005, the originals of A Bold Bluff and Waterloo were auctioned as a pair to an undisclosed buyer for US $590,400.

In Cleveland, the Museum of Art had a chance some years ago to buy a large collection of work by Norman Rockwell. They passed, saying that they wanted art, not illustration. A stupid decision, IMHO, and although I'm not well versed as to what is in their collection, I think it a safe bet that there would be several 20th century pieces of “modern” or abstract art valued at tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, the value of which if based on artistic content alone would be worth but tens or hundreds of dollars and nothing more.

R.I.P Mr. Kinkade.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Art is the means by which an individual shares his unique vision of the world with other people. It is the ultimate means of human communication. To the extent that others, through the artist’s work, can be made to perceive the world as the artist has perceived it, the art is successful.

[Psalm 144]

“There is plenty of good art around and many excellent starving artists, whom you could easily find at street fairs and in cafes where they display their work.”

There is a frame shop about 3 miles from my house where the proprietor displays the works of local artists, many of whom are ‘just housewives’. The works are really nice. Serious composition, broad range of subject matter, thoughtful renderings and classical palettes. Truly solid work. Most of the paintings are priced at around $275 - $400 for original work of high quality. People should trust their instincts, and buy from working, local artists if they are interested in starting a collection with modest means.

[cherry]

I don't think one should have to take a class at college to figure out what art they like and what art they dislike...

it has little to do with it being "good" or not....

same with music...poetry...writing...movies...

people know what they like...

[SatinDoll]

Nice paintings! Her online gallery is now on my favorites list.

I strongly suggest she take her portfolio to a few interior designers. Sometimes their clients want artwork but have a tight budget and really want paintings that color coordinates with their specific interiors.

It can be challenging but your sister’s works are good, variable, and she just might like the challenge of creating paintings for a specific room. Many artists in the past two hundred years have started out that way.

[Aria]

As I recall (it’s been a while since I’ve heard the stories) it was a former Kirby vacuum executive who took Kinkade into household name status.

I think they went a little too far selling nick nacks on the shopping channels.

There is one of his paintings in my hall - it’s just one of those places that makes you want to linger.

[cherry]

his work wasn't my cup of tea either...but I appreciate people that actually WANT to appeal to the better aspects of life, instead of the worst....(crucifix in urine)

as for wine, I couldn't tell the difference between the "good" stuff and the discount variety in the supermarket....but I'll probably always vote for the sweetest cheapest stuff if I know me...LOL...

viva la difference..

[mowowie]

Really?

I sort of like his “Vapid and Sophmoric” works.

Who the hell are you anyways?

[mowowie]

Really?

I sort of like his “Vapid and Sophmoric” works.

Who the hell are you anyways?

[Nepeta]

“Modern” art is quite literally a joke.

www.artrenewal.org

[mowowie]

sorry paul, i meant that for Drango.

[mowowie]

“The one thing I always noted about his paintings was how much I wanted to live in the places he painted.”

Ditto
Living in one of those paintings would be wonderful.