Thomas Kinkade Dead at 54

I had to read that headline several times before it sunk in. Though my home is not one of the ten million said to contain one of Kinkade’s paintings, I have to admit that I was always drawn to the light he created on canvas. My husband is an artist also and sees the same 47 different shades of green in a tree that Kinkade saw while I just see green. Both have a gift, a passion, and a desire to share what they see more vividly that those of us who are here only to appreciate and applaud.  

Kinkade’s paintings touch people at the core. His paintings are peaceful, reflective; they resonate in the personal lives of his fans. I was astounded that his most expensive paintings sold for a mere $10,000., yet netted over one million dollars a year. That’s some fantastic marketing. I wonder if people bought his paintings because the light and the peaceful scenes took them to a place that was missing in their lives—a quiet, secluded spot where they could be alone to relax, breathe, and find hope.  

On Kinkade’s website he admitted to having something in common with Norman Rockwell and Walt Disney, in that, “I really like to make people happy.” He’s right up there with the fictions John Beresford Tipton of my childhood. Rockwell, Disney, and Kinkade inspire me to do the same—make people happy.

Rest in Peace, Thomas Kinkade. You are in an even more colorful and light-filled place now.

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