Thomas Kinkade: Paintings of Radiant Light

by Thomas Kinkade, Philippa Reed

Thomas Kinkade's delightful paintings of cottages, countrysides, tranquil small-town American, and bustling cities seem infused with a special vision. Perhaps no American artist since Norman Rockwell has been so admired and collected for such warm, engaging scenes of American life. This inspired volume features beautiful fold-out color plates and celebrates the radiant works of the foremost contemporary painter of light.

This book, which contains Kinkade's newest paintings, recounts the uplifting story of his life and adventures. In his own words, Kinkade recalls the inspiration behind his works and describes the fascinating personal references - to loved ones and to his faith - found in his paintings. The most comprehensive portfolio of Kinkade's art ever printed, this volume includes detailed descriptions of his works and lavish full-color reproductions that illustrate the luminous "Kinkade glow" so collected and treasured today.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian

216 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

Thomas Kinkade was known as the "Painter of Light." His works, although spurned by the secular art establishment, were very popular with Christians and many others.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely. If someone could take a feeling of peace and contentment, package it, and share it with the world, it may look something like this book. This book is as warm and soothing as a gentle sigh. The pictures are lovely, of course, and the essays ground the book and are quite informative. The inspirational quotes are, well, inspiring, and I mean that. Books with wise and pithy sayings may be a bit formulaic, but this one still was deeply moving, and it gave me much to think about. Emily Dickinson wrote a poem once in which a character affirmed that truth and beauty are one. After reading this book and taking in the artwork, I understand that sentiment.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of pictures depicting life in small hometowns is accompanied by relevant and inspirational quotes by a variety of people. The paintings, like all of Kinkade’s art, are lovely and detailed. The quotes are thought-provoking. The book is one that will evoke feelings of peace and calm, a quieting time as night draws near, and a nice way to end the day.

[Rick Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be considered a guilty pleasure, but I love Thomas Kinkade's art. There's a mystical-fantasy quality about his cottages and landscapes that is intriguing as it is nostalgic.

This coffee-table volume (borrowed following my unexpected discovery of it in my school library) presents a big selection of his work, ranging from landscapes to cityscapes to his signature cottages to a section of Christmas-themed paintings.

The opening autobiographical essay was full of unexpected connections, namedropping influences like Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish, and discussion his time at UCal Berkeley, his cross-country "hoist" trip inspired by hobos, and his work with Frank Frazetta on the animated film Fire and Ice.

As Kinkade is always very public about his Christian faith (and makes it part of his marketing), the book comes off as a bit preachy in places, but I never found it to be excessively so.

Kinkade also includes a lot of discussion of the small details and hidden references he drops into his artwork, including tributes to his wife and daughters, and the occasional cameo by Norman Rockwell himself. Kinkade's playful nature and his ability to have fun with his work shine through clearly as he describes the origins and inspirations behind the individual paintings.

Philippa Reed's closing essay on Kinkade's contributions to the plein air tradition of outdoor painting was an interesting bit of art history.