Thomas Kinkade, born in 1958, grew up in a small quiet town in
California named Placerville along the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. By age
six, his interest in art was obviously growing at an impressive rate and by age
sixteen he was already accomplished enough in oil painting to begin working as
an apprentice to California painter Glen Wessels. (His mother always encouraged
his work very much and would often hang up his pieces as decorations around
their home.)
His education included attendance at the University of California at Berkley and
The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He then, at age
twenty-two, began to work for the motion picture industry. He created over six
hundred background pictures for the animated feature, Fire and Ice. He left the
motion picture industry in 1983 in pursuit of Luminist landscape painting
ventures.
“Like the Luminists, I strive for three visual aspects in my work: soft edges, a
warm palette and an overall sense of light.” – Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade also pursued other artistic ventures, such as co-authoring a book
while traveling across the country in a boxcar with a past college roommate
(This same roommate is said to have worked on the motion picture, Fire and Ice’s
background paintings with Kinkade). Critics claim the preparatory sketches used
during the creation of this book launched much of the inspiration backing his
early career.
This left-handed artist has been internationally published for well over a
decade with no evidence of slowing down in sight. It all started when he married
his sweet heart, Nanette, in 1982. It was after that they began to seriously
publish his work together. He is a devout Christian and dedicated father of four
daughters: Merrit, Chandler, Winsor and Everett Christian born in 1997. He
credits the Lord for his ability and for giving him inspiration to continue
producing such high quality creations. His Christianity shines through in each
piece with a magnificent glow.
The demand for his work grows with each passing day. His rigorous six-day work
schedule enables him to keep up with those who both collect and admire his
capabilities. His work can be found in such reproductions as signed lithographs,
inspirational books, calendars, cards, figurines, collectibles, canvas prints,
posters, magazine covers, collector plates, computer software, Bible book covers
and much more. more often than not, his work seems to become more easily found
and available during the holidays due to its high appeal for gift giving.
Because his subject matter derives from his own personal experiences and family
memories, they are exceedingly popular among those in search of that type of
nostalgia. His work can be found displayed prominently in both secular and
religious retail environments. Today, Thomas Kinkade can be found devoting time
to his craft, devoting time to his family, devoting time to religious
activities, creating donations for charitable causes and speaking publicly at
various events.
When he has free time, Thomas Kinkade enjoys dedicating it to personal worship,
reading and to traveling extensively with his wife and children he recently
published a book illustrated with his work about his philosophies surrounding
faith and the importance of family.
other artist: Claude Lorrain Paintings Caravaggio Paintings Benjamin Williams Leader Paintings Charles Chaplin Paintings