Thomas Kinkade Books In Order

Publication Order of Angel Island Books

Publication Order of Cape Light Books

Publication Order of Girls Of Lighthouse Lane Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Thomas Kinkade:

“Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light.” This is the phrase that Thomas Kinkade, a famous American painter, uses to brand himself. Born in January 19, 1958, Kinkade grew up in Placerville with the desire to make people happier. The painter found that he was able to do this with his paintings.

Claimed to be the nation’s most collected living artist, the Thomas Kinkade business often collected over $100 million annually. Kinkade, a devout Christian told many that he calls himself the “Painter of Light” because he brings “light to penetrate the darkness many people feel.”

Painting Methods

Often depicting calm scenery using pastel colors, Kinkade began to find a greater following after he began to sell his paintings individually in galleries in California. Kinkade often drew inspiration for his artwork through religious means. Though many of Thomas Kinkade’s artwork does not depict humans, his art collection did include one particular painting that is both well recognized and includes humans: The Indianapolis Speedway features a stadium of people watching cars speed against each other. The characteristic pastel feel of the painting is not highly unusual. However, it is recognized that Kinkade usually created artwork of lighter, less crowded scenarios.

Controversy

Many of Thomas Kinkade’s paintings include allusions to the Bible including verses and symbols, perhaps satisfying his goal as an artist to bring joy to people through his art. However, Kinkade’s problems stem from the controversy in the integrity of his art. Many believe that his art was nothing but meant to please the eye and had no real substantial meaning behind it. Though, his work is estimated to be located in 1 of every 20 American homes, much of the art community never fully accepted Thomas Kinkade for his art and creations. Many critics called Kinkade’s art “mall art” implying that the intention of the creation of his art pieces was not to create beautiful art but to make money.

Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of Kinkade’s method of selling paintings was his use of studio assistants to replicate his original paintings. Thomas Kinkade has revealed that not all of the paintings sold under his name were solely created by him, but that employees were likely to have tried to replicate Kinkade’s originals to sell to galleries and homeowners. Despite the opinions of many art critics, Kinkade chose to stick with his views of art and found it an accomplishment that he was able to sell so much art. He noticed that writers were able to sell books all over the world, but that artists were often stuck with producing one piece at a time and thus limiting their resources and capabilities. Kinkade was reported to say “I am really the most controversial artist in the world.” Kinkade may have been right in this self-evaluation as one of the first painters to mass market his creations for the general public. Additionally, Kinkade has his critics in the Christian community. Some believe that his artwork offers a world of pleasurable distortion but without needing to seek divine approval to reach enlightenment.

This recognition may also be a vice to the art business of Thomas Kinkade. Kinkade art pieces are reported to be the most forged creations, thereby strongly hurting the financials of the current Thomas Kinkade company. This company, Media Arts Group Inc. has dealt extensively with franchises that surround Kinkade’s name including the Thomas Kinkade Signature Galleries.

Kinkade was determined by the painter community as a sellout who commercialized his basic art pieces. Thomas Kinkade was an active student at the University of California, Berkeley as well as the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Thomas Kinkade got married to Nanette Wiley in 1982. Over several years, the Kinkade family had grown by four to include Merritt, Chandler, Winsor, and Everett. Each child’s name was created in recognition of famous artists.

Personal Life

Thomas Kinkade and Nanette Wiley were unfortunately unable to make things work out between them and the two separated in 2011. One year later on April 6, 2012, Thomas Kinkade was found dead in Monte Sereno. Studies show that the painter was heavily intoxicated and had prescription drug, Valium, in his system.

Interestingly enough, Thomas Kinkade’s manner of presenting himself was not always held in high esteem. Kinkade has been reported to have sexually assaulted women and curse artists. Furthermore, he’s been known to mark his own territory, much as dogs do in public spaces. Kinkade has been seen urinating on a Winnie the Pooh figure. Kinkade often came out and apologized but protested that such reports of his conduct were exaggerated due to the involvement of alcohol. However, in June 2010, Kinkade was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

In stark contrast with his manner of conduct, Kinkade passionately supported many charities. Some of these include the World Vision, Art for Children Charities, and the Salvation Army.

Recognition

Thomas Kinkade received a myraid number of accolades for his work through his career. The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED) awarded Thomas Kinkade as the Most Award Winning Artist in the Past 25 Years, and in addition as the Graphic Artist of the Year in 2004.

Some of his most influential art pieces include The Light of Peace, Rosebud Cottage, and Gazebo of Prayer. All three are thought to have biblical allusions and were strongly inspired by Kinkade’s religious paths.

In addition to his traditional art paintings, Thomas Kinkade is known for the creation of the best-selling instructional book, “The Artist’s Guide to Sketching.” This book was named one of Guptill Publications’ best sellers in 1982. “The Artist’s Guide to Sketching” is noted to be of importance because it brought more light to the relatively new artist.

Legacy

Even after Kinkade’s death in 2012, his artwork and style still lives on. Many of his original paintings float around the internet and on Kinkade Gallery websites. The original Kinkade paintings will be valued at a much higher price and are hard to come by. However, forged paintings or ones that were created by Kinkade’s studio assistants are much easier to obtain. Regardless of the criticism that Kinkade was forced to face during much of his life, his paintings are still prominent in society as can be found on computer desktops, notebook and planner covers, as well as wall decorations.

One Response to “Thomas Kinkade”

1. Georgia Hutchings: 4 years ago

   Why is there not a book for 2021 in the cape light series, so sad, love the books. Will there be one later, by Katherine Spencer

   Reply