Shedding Light on 4 Magical Works by Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade was one of the most collected living contemporary artists until his passing, and for good reason—he sought to enrich the lives of others with beautiful imagery that inspires hope and happiness.

While known for his paintings of humble cottages, the “Painter of Light” brought his charm and unique palette of pastels to a multitude of subjects. He painted cities bustling with activity, gorgeous gardens full of vivid colors, and brilliant landscapes that evoke spirituality.

Kinkade may no longer be with us, but his art and the feelings it inspires live on forever. In continuing his legacy, Park West Gallery proudly presents collectors with four of Kinkade’s popular images as limited-edition giclees with hand embellishments.

Here, we’ve collected the artist’s thoughts on four of his most popular creations.

 

Garden of Prayer

This ethereal garden paradise is Kinkade’s first depiction of calla lilies in a painting, which are used to celebrate Easter. With a gentle stream forming seven pools, a beautiful stone monument, and a rainbow of flora, Kinkade said his hope was to create a painting that serves as a “meeting place for many that would speak to their God in the silence of morning.”

“I feel like this piece has been with me all my life. I am drawn to it,” Kinkade said. “Perhaps in a garden we are closer to our creator.”

Kinkade hid the letter ‘N’ seven times in the painting as a tribute to his wife, Nanette, and if you look closely, you might spot a visitor in the distance approaching the gate.

 

Hometown Morning

Kinkade painted multiple streetscapes and cityscapes, showing people living everyday life in both large cities and small towns. Through these paintings, Kinkade invokes fond childhood memories and the importance of community.

“I think that in my Hometown memories collection, I’ve established—at least to my own satisfaction—that you can go home again,” Kinkade said.

The boy on the right-hand side of the painting is actually a teenage version of Kinkade. It is a reference to working a Sunday morning paper route that led to him meeting Nanette. As a tribute to his wife, he hid the letter ‘N’ 12 times in the painting.

 

Mountain Chapel

Throughout his career, Kinkade painted churches touched by light. These places of worship are often nestled in scenic forests and, in the case of “The Mountain Chapel,” with majestic mountains that reach into the heavens. Far from abandoned, the churches are painted with light emanating from their windows.

For Kinkade, the settings of his churches reflect the presence of God in nature. This particular image was inspired by a trip to the Rocky Mountains.

“Before we ever began to build temples in His honor, God graced us with natural sanctuaries radiant with the light of divine love and peace,” Kinkade said.

 

Carmel, Sunset on Ocean Avenue

Created in 1999, “Carmel, Sunset on Ocean Avenue” is a follow up to his painting of a similar title. In the previous artwork, the small beach city (known for its charming cottages) was depicted on a rainy afternoon. As soon as Kinkade finished it, he knew he had to capture the spirit of the city once again, only this time with a radiant California sunset.

“A luminous sunset bathes the entire scene in a warm glow, as though a tranquil moment has been frozen in time,” Kinkade said.

 

Kinkade’s thoughts on these works—quoted in this article—and more can be found in the book “Thomas Kinkade,” an enlightening look at the artist’s life and career.

To collect the art of Kinkade, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 during business hours or sales@parkwestgallery.com.