THOMAS KINKADE DEAD AT 54

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Thomas Kinkade, the “Painter of Light” died Friday at the young age of 54. Kinkade is reported to have died of “natural causes” although no cause of death was released. His family is planning a private funeral service.

I happen to have been a great fan of Thomas Kinkade. He was highly criticized by the art community for selling reproductions of his paintings. I for one am grateful. Many people, including myself, would never be able to afford an original painting. Because of Thomas Kinkade, I have 3 beautiful paintings that I thoroughly enjoy on a daily basis. I was also able to give one to a friend as a Christmas gift, which she loved by the way!

 Kinkade painted life the way I want it to be! His soft colors infused with light, nature scenes, cottages tucked into the mountainside with a babbling brook alongside, are the stuff my dreams are made of. Apparently I’m not alone! Kinkade painted over 1,000 works and it is estimated that 1 in every 20 homes in the US have one of his paintings hanging on the wall! I know several people who have multiple Kinkade’s hanging in a place of honor.

It saddens me that there will be no more paintings of beautiful lighthouses, cheery cottages or rainy streets with Victorian houses and old cars with that special glow that only Kinkade was able to capture.

 The world has lost a great artist and author. His work will live on, much like that of the great Norman Rockwell.  I know generations to come will enjoy and value the work of “the Painter of Light”.