Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light" died at age 54 in his Los Gatos home reportedly of natural causes. He was one of the wealthiest living artists known for his light-infused paintings of beautiful landscapes, gardens, and religious imagery. While some critics disapproved of his widespread commercialization of his work through many products, his paintings sold in an estimated 10 million U.S. households.

1. San Francisco, April 6, 2012--Popular American Painter Thomas Kinkade died at his Los
Gatos home Friday at the age of 54, reportedly of natural causes. The extremely
successful artist described himself as the "Painter of Light," in reference to his
brushwork, light-infused paintings with pleasant, upbeat themes. He is known for his
paintings and related artwork with renderings of beautiful landscapes, tranquil gardens
and streams, country cottages and churches, inspirational Biblical imagery and Disney
and other imaginary depictions. He was one of the wealthiest and most collected living
artists to date, with company-reported annual earnings of $100 million.
Kinkade reproduced his paintings on numerous products and had associated merchandise
that included collector’s plates, lithographs, books, sculptures, wall decors, Christmas
adornments and even jewelry. Because of this, some art critics disapproved of him for
pandering to the masses. The artist aimed not to express himself through his paintings,
but give people the positive images they wanted, which is according to Ken Raasch,
co-founder of The Thomas Kinkade Company. Yet despite criticism, his works have been
huge sellers and are in an estimated 10 million households across the country.
If you think you may own a painting or have merchandise by Thomas Kinkade that you
want to have authenticated, please contact Art Experts at XXX. (Michelle, I don’t know
where this is going, so can you please fill this in accordingly?)
"A Light in the Storm," was Thomas Kinkade’s depiction of the Biblical verse John 8:12:
"I am the light of the world."
(Michelle, can you find this painting?)