Thomas Kinkade - "Painter of Light" - Dies

AP ^ | 4/7/12 | John S. Marshall

[boatbums]

California artist Thomas Kinkade, whose brushwork paintings of idyllic landscapes, cottages and churches were big sellers for dealers across the country, died Friday, a family spokesman said.

Kinkade, 54, died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, David Satterfield said.

Kinkade's sentimental paintings, with their scenes of cottages, country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment.

The paintings generally depict tranquil scenes with lush landscaping and streams running nearby. Many contain images from Bible passages.

Kinkade, a self-described devout Christian, claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist. His paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.

"I'm a warrior for light," he told the San Jose Mercury News in 2002, in reference to his technical skills but also 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."

[boatbums]

I have grown to love this artist's technique and the uplifting nature and gentleness of his paintings. He was a Christian and his work brought out the grace and wondrous beauty of our Creator. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

[Towed_Jumper]

He was only 54 years old...RIP.

[mowowie]

Wow he was young, i had no idea.

His paintings are magical.

RIP

[Christie at the beach]

Prayers to his family. Very sad news.

[Beowulf9]

His paintings were lovely, as you can see.

[boatbums]

If you ever have the chance to see his work displayed in an art gallery where they can raise and lower the lighting on the pictures, you really CAN see their magical nature. I was amazed at how different the same painting could be just by changing the lighting. His works that included Scripture passages were quite inspirational and it’s probably why the “Art Establishment” turned up their collective noses at it. Us plain folk sure love it, though, and I think that is who he aimed for anyway. I’ll bet his work goes up in value, now.

[mowowie]

It’s funny but growing up Kinkades paintings was the America that i wanted to grow up in and live.
It’s one of the reasons why i am so depressed nowadays.
I’m sure by far i am not the only one to think so...

Imagine living in that sweet glowing cottage by the lake without a single worry in the world, or skating on that frozen pond with Christmas trees and Hot Chocolate waiting for you on shore...

[boatbums]

This was one of my favorites. I also liked the many lighthouse and seascape scenes, as well.

[mowowie]

Yes his work was very nice.

I have a folder on my hard drive dating back to 1998 or so when i started downloading his paintings and saving them.

That folder has lasted at least 6 hard drives by now.
I think i’ll go check it out, it’s been a while....

[boatbums]

This one is really good with the special lighting applied to it.

[boatbums]

This one is also really good with the special lighting applied to it.

[Jagdgewehr]

...were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment.

Elitist gibe noted.

R.I.P. Mr. Kinkade.

[boatbums]

This one is appropriate for this time of celebrating our Savior's resurrection.

[mowowie]

“....but reviled by the art establishment”

I wonder why?
Nevermind, I know why.

[PLMerite]

I like that one. If I could take a photograph like that I would be supremely happy.

[Lazlo in PA]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nv7Qicg2Og&feature=relmfu

[Nasher]

Kinkade's sentimental paintings, with their scenes of cottages, country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment...Many contain images from Bible passages.

Hated by the 'art establishment' because of his technique or because Thomas was a Christian? Which is it, ASSociated Press?

Prayers for his family. He was truly gifted. Always loved his Christmas themed paintings such as this:

[aruanan]

Us plain folk sure love it, though, and I think that is who he aimed for anyway.

For exactly the same reason that Obama is targeting the middle income people.

[boatbums]

Love this one, too.

[mowowie]

I could look at those paintings all day.

The good ‘ole days
sigh....