Thomas Kinkade Dead

Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade, the renowned “Painter of Light” whose paintings are amongst the most popular in the United States, died from what appear to have been natural causes. The celebrated artist was 54-years-old. Ken Raasch, an old friend and co-founder of Kinkade’s Media Arts Group, was quoted by the Mercury News conveying his recently passed away friend’s unique perspective of the world:

“I’d see a tree as being green, and he would see it as 47 different shades of green. He just saw the world in a much more detailed way than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

Kinkade leaves behind his wife, Nanette, and four daughters. Kinkade's sentimental paintings — with their scenes of cottages, country gardens and churches in dewy morning light — were beloved by many in middle-class America but generally dismissed by the art establishment. The paintings typically depict tranquil scenes with lush landscaping and streams running nearby. Many contain images from Bible passages. Kinkade labeled himself the nation's most collected living artist. His paintings and spin-off products bring in about $100 million a year in sales, and are said to be in 10 million homes in the United States. He grew up in a trailer in the Northern California city of Placerville, which he often rendered in his art as an idyllic community of friendly citizens. After hitting upon the formula for inspirational landscapes and village scenes, he and his wife put their modest savings into publishing the first reproductions of his paintings in 1984. They sold 1,000 copies for $35 each and never looked back. Kinkade's Media Arts Group took in $32 million per quarter from 4,500 dealers across the country 10 years ago, according to the Mercury News. The company has since gone private. The costs of his paintings range from hundreds of dollars to more than $10,000. Services were pending.