Thomas Kinkade

November 11th, 2008 | Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles, Thomas Kinkade

Original Thomas Kinkade large 48x30 painted by TOM only

US $95,000.00

Sale

Original Thomas Kinkade large 30x24 painted by TOM only

US $50,000.00

Sale

Collectables -> Collectibles -> Disneyana

Thomas Kinkade is a living, American artist whose work is so popular today that many people have no idea they even have Thomas Kinkade artwork in their homes in some form or another. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes his art. People either dismiss it as throwaway art, no more skillful than a paint by numbers, they revile it for the commercialism that has made it so popular, or they cherish the homespun and idyllic scenes, the soft, pastel colors, and the light glow inherent in the paintings.

Unlike any other artist in history, Thomas Kinkade has taken an active hand in marketing his creations to the world. He has sold prints of his artwork on television, through the QVC home shopping network. He’s even trademarked the phrases “Painter of Light” and “America’s most collected living artist.”

A Thomas Kinkade painting is recognizable by the subject matter. The images are distinctly American, with some of them even coming from his hometown. Nature is often depicted in gardens, running water like streams, street, stone cottages and other settings. His paintings are simple scenes with no hidden messages or subliminal symbolism, and much of mainstream America appreciates these images of home and country, while others criticize their simplicity and straightforward style, claiming its not true art.

Often, a Thomas Kinkade painting will contain images of his daughters, or their names. And the letter ‘n’ is often emphasized in tribute to his wife. Churches and other symbols of the Christian faith are often depicted in his paintings, as he’s a devout believer who says he wants to use his artwork to touch people of all faiths. These religious paintings have made Kinkade popular among the American religious community.

Thomas Kinkade has earned millions through his artwork, thanks to unashamed promotion of it. He’s often asked to help commemorate milestones like an anniversary at Disney, and he has helped the efforts of many non-profit organizations like The Salvation Army and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. While many criticize him for his commercialism, others argue that artwork that isn’t viewed and appreciated is pointless, and at least he’s brought art to the mainstream.

Because of his efforts to popularize his artwork, a Thomas Kinkade print is one of the most easily accessible pieces of art that exists today. Original paintings cost in the thousands, but prints are affordable, helping to make him commercially popular. They can be purchased online, in auctions like eBay, and in shops that specialize in artist prints.

If you’re looking for an original painting, buy it from a respected art dealer to prevent being sold a forgery. If the price is only a few hundred dollars, chances are it’s not a true Thomas Kinkade. Other items featuring his art range from things like calendars to collector tins, so if you’re a fan you can enjoy his art in just about any form you can imagine. You can also purchase a variety of items directly from the artist’s website.

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