Kinkade artist biography
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His artwork hangs in an estimated one out of every 20 homes in the US.
The original of a Kinkade piece that has been published will usually appraise at $100,000 to $400,000, depending on its popularity.
One of Kinkade’s most popular pieces, the original of this Disneyland 50th Anniversary painting, has been appraised at over $1 million.
Sources estimate that Kinkade’s paintings and products bring in approximately $100 million a year.
Thomas Kinkade began his life as a professional artist by selling his prints outside a local supermarket for $25 a piece.
Kinkade would often pay tribute to his family by incorporating their images or initials into his paintings.
In 1976, after attending UC Berkeley for two years, he transferred to the highly respected Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He created another notable piece for the Biltmore Estate, showcasing the grandeur of America’s largest privately owned home. He was also awarded “Lithograph of the Year” for nine consecutive years.
He attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later transferred to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
The Rise of His Career
Kinkade’s career took off in the 1980s after he co-authored a book titled The Artist’s Guide to Sketching with his friend, James Gurney.
In fact, he trademarked the phrase “Painter of Light,” which aptly described his mastery of creating radiant landscapes that seem to glow from the canvas. His works often evoke a sense of nostalgia, peace, and serenity, featuring idyllic countryside settings, quaint cottages, and lush gardens bathed in golden light. The proceeds of this painting and The Light of Freedom raised over $2MM for the Salvation Army's Ground Zero relief fund for the victims of September 11th.
2002: Thomas Kinkade donates all proceeds from his limited edition lithograph Hometown Pride to Habitat for Humanity to support its home-building efforts.
2002: Thomas Kinkade is chosen to commemorate the 2002 World Series and paints World Series, San Francisco and World Series, Anaheim.
2002: Thomas Kinkade is selected to be the Official Artist of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and paints Olympic Mountain Evening.
His company, Media Arts Group, later renamed Thomas Kinkade Studios, made him one of the most financially successful artists of all time. Because of the darkness, the light I add has more impact.”
Kinkade tucked what he called “love notes” into his paintings. His involvement with Points of Light underscored his commitment to using his platform and talents to make a positive impact on society, reinforcing his belief in the power of light—both literal and metaphorical—to bring hope and inspiration to those in need.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Kinkade received numerous awards and accolades for his artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts.
An autopsy is pending.
Thomas Kinkade (1958-2012) is one of our generation's most collected American artists. Kinkade was outspoken about his faith, and this became a significant part of his public image. While some critics dismissed his work as overly sentimental or commercialized, his art undeniably touched the hearts of his admirers and made fine art more accessible to the public.
1990: Founded Lightpost Publishing.
1991: Birth of Chandler Kinkade, Thomas Kinkade’s second daughter. A turning point came in 1980 when he and a friend took a cross-country sketching tour, ending in Manhattan, that they turned into an immediately successful book, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching.
He was recruited to produce background art for an animated feature film, “Fire and Ice,” and began advancing his own ideas on the depiction of light in painting.
His journey from a small-town boy to an internationally recognized artist is as remarkable as the serene worlds he created on canvas.
Early Life
Thomas Kinkade was born on January 19, 1958, in Sacramento, California. These new paintings continue to be popular, and Thomas Kinkade Studios maintains partnerships with Disney and other cultural institutions, keeping the artist’s brand alive and thriving.
Conclusion
Thomas Kinkade’s life and work left an indelible mark on the art world and popular culture.
His death was sudden and came as a shock to many, though it was later revealed that he had struggled with alcoholism and other personal challenges in the years leading up to his death. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a new fan, explore our extensive collection of limited-edition prints, home décor, and gifts, all featuring the serene landscapes and radiant light that made Kinkade the “Painter of Light.” Perfect for adding warmth and inspiration to any space, KinkadeCollectibles.com offers the highest quality reproductions, ensuring you can bring a piece of his magical artistry into your home.
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Thomas Kinkade, ‘Painter of Light,’ Dies at Age 54 – Learn About His Life and Work
You might not know his name, but you definitely know his work.
His work was sold as limited-edition prints, canvases, and other collectibles, making fine art more affordable and accessible to the average person.
In addition to painting under his name, Kinkade also produced works under the pseudonym Robert Girrard during the 1980s. Raised by a single mother after his father left when Kinkade was just five, his early years were not without hardship, but they also shaped the themes of home, comfort, and peace that became central to his work.