Thomas Kinkade Painter Of Beauty
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Brief History
Born in Sacramento California on January 19, 1958 Thomas graduated from High School in 1976 and began to attend University of California Berkeley and the Art Center of Design in Pasadena. Inspired and mentored by the famous Glen Wessels and Charles Bell, Thomas Kinkade continued on his journey and proceeded to travel with his college friend Jim Gurney traveling across the United States and ending there journey in 1980 securing a contract with Guptil publications to create and produce a sketching handbook. In 1982 him and his long time college friend Jim Gurney produced there first sketching handbook which was entitled, "Artist's Guide to Sketching." The success of this book landed both he and Jim Gurney at Ralph Bashki studios creating background art for the 1983 animated movie called, " Fire and Ice". After the animated film Thomas Kinkade began to earn a living as a painter selling original artwork throughout California.
Thomas Kinkade hides the letter "N" in all of his artwork as a tribute to his first love Nannette. He also has included names and images of his four daughters in his paintings and was also influenced by the famous Norman Rockwell, both Thomas Kinkade and Norman Rockwell were inspired by small town America expressing the conservative views of small town America, (as noted from Wikipedia).
A devout Christian Thomas Kinkade's work sends a message of faith, peace. joy, beauty and happiness in the paintings that he creates. Many of his beautiful paintings are depicted and contain many chapter-and-verse- allusions taken directly from Bible passages.
Watching the "Christmas Cottage" not once but twice and also recording ,Thomas Kinkade's life came full circle to us. Being an admirer of his talent and paintings we sat and watched silently as his life story was told along with true events that unfolded not flinching but in awe as his name Thomas Kinkade took on true meaning of who he was, how he grew up and of course a subliminal message about who he married. He and his younger brother Pat had so much love for their mother you could feel the heartbeat of two young boys in the story. Their mom was a very giving woman who resided in the town of Placerville, California Thomas Kinkade had seen the struggles of life as his neighbor Glen told him to 'Paint The Light'. His first drawing was given to his mother at Christmas and he painted the first mural in Placerville en-capturing the people in the town and the beauty of the city. We sat in front of the Television mesmerized by this well written life story about a man and his brother who assisted with saving there mother's home in Placerville, California along with a community who came together as family to help one another in a time of need. If you are a true-lover of Thomas Kinkade art then this Christmas special should be one that explains to you who he is, what his beautiful paintings were inspired by and why he is the person he is today.
If you ever have the opportunity to travel to Placerville, California where the famous Thomas Kinkade was raised you will then be able to en-capture and understand that God has given him a gift to share with others just as Glen Wessels told him , "Paint The Light" he listened to his mentor and God blessed him with the wonderful gift that he now shares with millions, which is the beauty of light that is reflected in each one of his beautiful paintings.
Thoughts
Just like Thomas Kinkade who had mentors and visions of his direction I to believe that I am being lead to do great things. Sharing with others what God has given me and giving back to many has inspired me to keep going through the tough times, there is certainly light at end of the storm. I do not draw or paint but I certainly hope that when I write about my life or what is placed on my heart that others read, believe and listen. I to just like many writers has a dream it is our place to pursue it and continue on our journey until we are fulfilled.
One day I will own one of his originals and will turn that dream into a reality, Thank you Thomas Kinkade for being an inspiration and a light for so many of us who have a dream.
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Very interesting AE. Nice tribute to a wonderful man. I wonder is he related to Aron, the last name is spelled different though.
vrajavela: His paintings are romantic and beautiful they capture beauty in a very special way.:)
ralwus: mmmm..... I don't believe so just based on research and true life events on the Christmas Cottage but he certainly is a wonderful man and such an inspiration! :)
Your stories are so inspiring. I needed to read this today. Thank you!
Tammy Lochmann: I am glad that I could inspire on a Sunday morning. He is an inspiration to me and I truly appreciate his talent, his art and his life. :)
Thank you for your fantastic hub. There is something special in his painting and that makes a painter outstanding. I enjoyed your hub, giving all these inside information.
It is nice hub to read the beauty of a painter probably he has blessed by the Jesus as his painting contained the Verse- allusion of Bible. Thanks.
He has a gift and he has blessed many over the years, I so love the way he plays with light...well done
Blessings
I have admired Thomas Kinkade's paintings for some time. Enjoyed reading your article
Hello,hello: You are so welcome I was inspired to write about this person behind his paintings.:)
HP: He was blessed by the Glory of God and Glen Wessels told him to 'Paint The Light'. He knew there was something extraordinary about him since he was a young boy. :)
Quill: I love it to he has a hand given by God and I have yet to see anyone who has the perfect touch like Thomas Kinkade does. :)
Coolmon2009: I love them too! I only have a print but one day I will be blessed and own an original, he is such an inspiration to the World I would be honored to have his paintings hanging on our home. :)
Great article AEvans! I will have to learn more about this artist. What is meant by "chapter-and-verse-allusions"?
Tom: It is Biblically speaking meaning that Thomas Kinkade creates the beauty of biblical verse through his paintings well it is my perception of the word that I used. Thomas Kinkade is an absolute inspiration and an artist like no other, when I look at his paintings I see Love, Light and God in them, each tells a story that stirs the soul. :)
What a great tribute. I am familiar with his work but did not know about him as a person until now! Thanks for sharing this one. He certainly is one of the great lights.
A most inspirational Hub!!! Yes, Thomas Kinkade allowed God's light to shine through him, and was and is an inspiration to many. We all can learn a very valuable lesson from his life, and that is to never give up, and to always follow our dreams. What a great tribute, as his testimony touches the hearts of many.
dohn121: He is a great person and a wonderful , wonderful artist! God knows a home is not complete without a print, or piece of art from Thomas Kinkade. I am working toward my first original, it may take time but I will have one and when I do I will definitely share that story too! :)
peacenhim: His testimonial certainly does, he is a ray of sunshine and not a single soul should ever give up.:)
AEvans, Wonderful informative hub! Beautiful Illustrations! Very Inspiring! Thomas Kinkade has incredible paintings which allows the Light to shine through! He is a wonderful artist!
Thank you for letting God's light shine through you here on The Hubpages! I pray that you receive your goal of getting an artwork of Thomas Kinkade... Thank you for sharing, Blessings!
DeBorrah K.Ogans: Thank you for the prayer and I am glad to that you could feel my heart in the hub.:)
Kinkade's paintings have always held a special meaning for me-I adore his ability to capture a simplicity which also soothes.
Thanks so much for this lovely tribute!
lorlie6: I am so glad that you have enjoyed his paintings are very soothing he is certainly one of a kind.:)
What a nice hub and very informative. I have always enjoyed his works but never knew the much about him. Thanks for the time you spent on the research as well.
must65gt: After watching the movie I was compelled to write about him. I love his artwork and have always been inspired, his paintings give me a sense of Peace and through all that we have been going through it is so consoling. I am glad that you found it informative.:)
Thank you for all this wonderful information & sharing from your heart. His work is often inspiring. The following words caught my attention & made me smile:
"Sharing with others what God has given me and giving back to many has inspired me to keep going through the tough times, there is certainly light at end of the storm. I do not draw or paint..."
Thank your for sharing your life here. And I assure you that you most certainly draw & paint with words.
Much encouragement to you.
Ken R.Abell: Thank you and I am so glad that my words made you smile and now you truly have me thinking you are correct I do draw and paint with words, thank you for the encouraging words. Merry Christmas! :)
The hub is nice because of its informative nature.
The problem is with the artist;
Thomas Kinkade is the King of Kitsch and that will not change just because his sales (all reproductions for that matter) are going through the roof.
Turning art into business and painting into post-card saccharine-sweet collection of pastoral scenery Kinkade will never make it past expensive kitsch and will never find its way into a world reputable museum.
Petra: I certainly can see Thomas Kinkade's side he is making it to where others can enjoy his art at all levels of life. I do not believe he is in it for the big bucks but for merely sharing the love of light with others. There are some artists that are completely untouchable and a middle class nor poor person could afford there work, they could only dream about having a piece of there artwork, but Thomas Kinkade has brought his life into millions of home so that even the middle class or poor could afford the beauty. I believe one day he will make into the museums because God has a plan for him art is not just for the elite but for everyone who has a pallet for it. :)
My husband and I love his work (mostly the boating ones) and we purchased a painting of his called "Perseverance" as a house warming gift to ourselves when we bought our first home. Luckily, he was in our town shortly thereafter and we were able to meet him and bring the painting with us for a hand signature from him. We purchased a second one on our honeymoon ("Sea of Tranquility") and we treasure both. He is a fantastic artist! Great hub, AE.
Lily Rose: I think he is to and I am looking forward to our first one and I hope to get ours signed to. What a gift and treasure that would be. :)
I absolutely love Thomas Kinkade, always have. Thanks for this great hub!
Beautiful tribute for a wonderful artist. Thanks for this great hub. Have a wonderful Christmas my dear friend.:D
I love Kincade's works - they are so evocative. They always make me feel warm and cozy!
cool pic.s, great hub.
Triplet Mom: I do to and I am so glad that you enjoyed the tribute to him.
keira7: Thank you and may you and yours also have a wonderful Christmas! :)
habee: Me too! Even on a dreary day what a blessing he is! :)
nikki1: Thanks bunches and happy holidays! :)
Very informative hub. I must admit I've heard of him, but never knew that he is our contemporary. His paintings remind me of the old masters. Thanks so much for the research. I'm sure he would appreciate the tribute, if he could only read it. Very well done AE.
fastfreta: He is a wonderful artist and yes it does remind one of the old masters. He certainly does know how to shine light on life. I wish he would read it, I would certainly be honored. :)
Peace, Love, Joy,I can feel it, I love it.
Timovone: Thank you and Merry Christmas! :)
these pictures are lovely, as is the hub and the hubber. Hope your husband is well, and 2010 brings nothing but happiness for you are your family
poetlorraine: Thank you and he is hanging in there but now mom is battling Cancer to, we have radiation 5 days a week and keep every week for 7 weeks. But I do have faith that God will get us through it. Merry Christmas! :)
Jesus Christ gives us a future beyond the future. All that I am and all that I ever will be God made me that! I am glad to call you friend.
johnnyco12: I am glad to call you friend to and may you continue to be blessed by all that you do. :)
Beautiful and inspiring, AEvans :0)
Tom: Thank you! :)
oh Aevans I saw his painting in The LOUVRE at France, and it is beautiful,
Hey I came to drop by to greet you and your family a very
you are a dear to HP,
best and always Maita
prettydarkhorse: Merry Christmas to you and yours too! How blessed you were to be able to see the paintings in Louvre'!:)
He is awesome! Have you ever seen the painting centered on a street in New York during the early 1900s?...awesome!
drej2522: I love Thomas Kinkade and he is my favorite artist if all time! I will definitely check out the link because I can honestly say no I have not sen that particular piece of artwork. Merry Christmas! :)
He's a wonderful painter!! I own some of his paintings!!!! GREAT HUB!!!! Blessings my friend!! When you get a chance, come visit me!!! luv luv
drpastorcarlotta: He certainly is a wonderful painter and I have been visiting but promise I will comment. :)
Another well done hub...We actually have 3 of TK winter paintings in our home...thanks again
Amen to the dream, and its gifts!
Bieberella: Thank you and I will one day have that cherished gift. :)
I've always enjoyed his work, and always appreciate a good history lesson. Thank you for sharing this with us. Well done.
I am a major fan of Thomas Kincade. I have one of his limited edition prints hanging on my apartment wall, cost a few hundred quid sterling, but it's from his new Disney themed Art, with Pinnochio, and Tinkerbell and other characters descending into a phantasmagorical Kincade-esque landscape rich in detail and wonders. I just love it! I kind of have things of my childhood in there, things I totally love and feel safe with. He takes you to a better world, a place we aspire to be, and it's amazing how he seems to sense what it might be like. There's a Kincade Gallery in the Uk, maybe more than one, apparently, and one in Dublin too (saw it a few weeks ago on a trip there).
Yes, I am a fan. Thanks for this hub!
Duchess: He certainly is wonderful and many of us have a fond appreciationof his talent, I thank you so much for your warm and wonderful compliment.:)
Cheeky Girl: He is great and I hope that you get a chance to visit the galleries and the print that you have sounds absolutely breathtaking! :)
Wonderful and interesting hub. I have two of Thomas's paintings. I was also so excited to watch Christmas Cottage and was so taken in by his charecterization. What a man... Thanks for the article.. Blessings
Mekenzie: Blessings to you too!!! He is great and I am so glad you agree.:)
love ur hub ;D pics are awesome
nikki1: Thanks he is definitely a great painter! :)
I loved this hub well said and yes he was a very romantic and had passion for what he painted!!
mdawson17
mdawson: He certainly does and he is my favorite and it is hard for anyone to match him.:)
Thomas Kinkaide is very popular here in Southern California. He even has a few galleries in the area. He is a very talented painter!
Sweetie Pie: He certainly is and you are so lucky to have a few galleries. We only have two., but that is o.k. when we get to Cali I am certain I will be visiting them too. :)
His talent is so spectacular.What a true gift he has and he has learned how to share it with the world.Very informative and one of my favorite hubs,
Dream On: Thank you I am so glad that you enjoy him to, after I watched the Christmas Cottage I couldn't wait to write about him. :)
I to love Thomas Kinkade and have a few of his prints in my home thank you so much for writing this and what a wonderful triubute to a brilliant man! I hope that you dream comes true and one day you will own one of the originals.
My favorite living painter! I am amazed at the beauty of Kinkade's work. Your article is excellent and I agree with you that you are being led to illuminate people in a different way-through your writing.
GlstngRosePetals: I apologize for overlooking your comment I didn't realize you had one here, he is so brilliant! :)
James A Watkins: Those are profund words and you are such a blessing, I felt God come through those words. It gave me goosebumps because mom said the same thing. Thank you and God Bless. :)
thank you for introducing me to thomas Kinkade..paintings remind me of the christmas cards we used to recieve when we were kids...so soft and full of warmth...your writing is like that too...its great.
bonny2010: He is such a wonderful painter! I am certain that you will enjoy his work. :)
Thank you for the Hub on Mr. Kinkade. Every time I look at one of his paintings I feel a sense of peace and joy!
Kendall H: I honestly do too! I am so glad that you enjoyed and what a positive response to wake up to. :)
A beautiful hub! Thanks for sharing.....
Michael Shane: Thank you I am glad that you appreciate a wonderful painter! :)
Cool hub, I absolutely love Kinkade's work, thanks AEvans!
Beautiful paintings, thanks for this inspiring hub.
I love hubs that show me new information. I haven't come across Kinkade before- thanks for sharing a great hub!
Dave Harris: I do too! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Gypsy Willow: You are welcome.
Docmo: You are welcome and Kinkade is a wonderful artist. He is my favorite and he so blessed.
I enjoyed your article. I just saw the program for the first time. I also enjoy his gift.
By the way, the word "their" was mistakenly spelled "there". As a writer I thought you would like to know.
Speller: The movie was wonderful and thank you so much for pointing out the spelling error. I sincerely appreciate it that. :) As of right now, it has been corrected. :)
I always love to see what artists a writer attributes as favorites in the other mediums, you did real justice to the man that was the great Thomas Kinkade. If you are a fan you will know this, but for readers who are not so savvy an art question for you.
Kinkade almost never did portraits of any kind. But what not one but two famous people do you find hidden in his painting of the Indianapolis 500?
Well of course, Dale Earnhardt and the man you mentioned Norman Rockwell, both are discreetly hidden in the crowds...just some trivia for your mental hemispheres.
Great hubs AE. Figure you were do some Hub Love back my literary friend. Keep on Hubbing Blake4d
blake4d: Thomas Kinkade is my favorite painter and with respect to him I also did not use his Copyrighted title like many have throughout the Internet. I also e-mailed and asked permission to use the pics in this hub to write about him. When he gave permission, I was elated! Thank you for also appreciating his work.
Wow Kudos AE. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d
blake4d: It was so amazing! I was honored that he approved! :)
Did the movie also mention his DUI's and sexual harassment problems? Probably not. haha
Missy: Thank you for commenting. I am glad you were able to express your opinion so eloquently.
Since Thomas Kinkade died today, I have been searching the hubs. Awordlover linked her hub to yours and that's how I found you. Great hub, such a shame about this man's passing. Voted up.
DoctorAbby: OMG! I just woke up to read this. He is my favorite and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. He commented on this hub moons ago. My heart is broken! A wonderful artist thank you so much for sharing this information.
It is very sad. He was in the prime of his life. I didn't see a comment with his name (or a variation thereof) on this hub. How nice to be recognized by him. :)
Doctor Abby: He is 'Tom' in my comment. I was so honored to have him comment to me! I have several paintings and multiple goodies that he has created. My heart is broken and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and family. There is nobody who will ever be another Thomas Kinkade.
Kinkade an artist? Gimme a break! His work defines kitsch.
madeline: What talent do you have? His work is beautiful. Everyone has there own taste when it comes to art. I choose Thomas Kinkade and Monet. I am sure you would say, Monet is kitsch too. By your words it appears you may be more modern which is fine, but modern to me is kitsch too. :)
Kinkades work is well known in the UK, his paintings are inspirational. But the best part is how you have painted a beautiful picture with your words. voted up :)
Brian Slater: Thank you. Thomas Kinkade will forever be one of my favorite next to Monet. :)
vrajavala 2 years ago
He certainly is romantic