Calif. artist Thomas Kinkade dies at age 54

[janedrake]

YAHOO:
http://news.yahoo.com/calif-artist-thoma...35368.html



Kinkade, 54, died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, David Satterfield said.

Kinkade's sentimental paintings, with their scenes of cottages, country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment. The paintings generally depict tranquil scenes with lush landscaping and streams running nearby. Many contain images from Bible passages.

Kinkade, a self-described devout Christian, claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist. His paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.



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It may not be cool to admit it, but I actually liked his work. The first time I saw it was in a Soho gallery window - a huge painting - and indeed what struck me about it was the vibrant color and the way it seemed to be filled with light. I think I've heard some rumblings about his political beliefs being antithetical to mine, but I really liked his paintings. RIP.

[jaxx]

I liked his work too, the paintings are serene and pretty. The painter of light. When I was in retail in the 90s he was a hot item, his work was everywhere. I lost track after that. 54 is young to die, may he RIP.

[Born_A_Truman]

I loved his paintings. He didn't paint for the art critics obviously. I've never owned one but I have always loved the little cottages he painted.