The world lost a beautiful man yesterday! Thomas Kinkade the Painter of Light a light that shone so very bright in all his masterpieces. Mr. Kinkade died of natural causes at the very young age of 54 leaving behind his childhood sweetheart Nanette and 4 beautiful Daughters. He once stated in an interview “I’m a warrior for light,” Kinkade, was such a devout Christian, he told the San Jose Mercury News in 2002 that his paintings of light were to symbolize the divine. “With whatever talent and resources I have, I’m trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel.” For me personally he did just that, I have been a lover of his works since I was in my late teens and the fact that he was only 2 years older than me really hits home that there is no guarantee that we will see tomorrow so we need to make the best of everyday and our lives as we know it for only God knows when its our time and God has called the Painter of Light home to begin a new journey of painting masterpieces for the greatest house of all.

What I loved most about his art was not just the talent and beauty of his works but his christian beliefs and love of the Lord which truly shined in his paintings. My favorites were the Cross Paintings and the Gardens they spoke to me Gardens of Hope, Garden of Prayer, Stairway to Heaven just to name a few his love of Christianity truly gave people a lift and let them see that their world did not have to be such a dark place that one does not have to live in the darkness that their was a divine light that if followed could save them. Another one of his paintings I have Walk of Faith I look at that everyday it reminds me so much of my own walk and how amazing it is. It reminds me that when your on this spiritual journey your not alone. It reminds me that we as warrior parents and caregivers for those with epilepsy that by walking in faith we have the continued hope for a better tomorrow because he is with us at all times we may not see him, or even feel like he is but trust me I know he is here with us all.

His artistic philosophy was not to express himself through his paintings like many artists, but rather to give the masses what they wanted: warm, positive images, Ken Raasch, who co-founded Kinkade’s company with him, told the Mercury News. Well he certainly accomplished that and so much more his paintings were so positive so refreshing and so breath taking and so beautiful how could they not tug at ones heartstrings he sure did at mine.

Mr. Raasch also commented “I’d see a tree as being green, and he would see it as 47 different shades of green,”  “He just saw the world in a much more detailed way than anyone I’ve ever seen.” Yes he did he saw the world in the way that it should be and the way the Lord expected it to be I believe.

Bridges, Churches, Gardens  are a frequent subject, as were the ones that lead through gates. His  paintings are visual depictions of Bible verses, such as “A Light in the Storm,” taken from John 8:12: “I am the light of the world.”  Thomas Kinkade you truly were the light of the world and now that light has gone out but will never be forgotten I will always buy your paintings and home decor you brought so much love and light into my home I will keep it going in your memory. Cottages and Victorian days spoke of the past and fond memories. He painted Hero’s and Disney for they showed his love and gratitude for our country men and for a place that made adults and kids alike happy. He accomplished what he set out to do make people happy.

If you don’t have a Thomas Kinkade I recommend you get one, go and visit a gallery see his work in person it will amaze you. I imagine him walking up the Stairway to Heaven, passing his way through the Garden of Hope, stopping to pray in the Garden of Prayer  or sitting by the Serenity Pool on the way to reaching his final destination which would be entering through the Gate of New Beginnings and taking a Walk of Faith with our Lord and discussing his painting the most beautiful masterpiece of all times and would that not be a sight to see.

We have suffered a huge loss in the art world yes but heaven has gained an incredible gift and light of its own in Thomas Kinkade. His most recent new release for Spring 2012 Gazebo of Prayer will be my next collection piece and Thomas could not of said it better himself:
In my heart, gazebos are truly peaceful places. To my artistic eye, this gazebo is a perfect place for those seeking a time of reverent renewal and a moment of solitude to be with their God. The trees soften the light to create harmonies of shadow and color enhancing the viewer’s experience. One can smell the fragrant floral aromas gently drifting in this small sanctum of solitude. The birds happily sing in the trees as if they were a church choir praising the creator and thanking Him for the grace given to this heavenly garden. The spirit of our Lord fills every moment if we take the time to simply look, listen and allow His presence to fill our hearts and provide guidance. Join me in the “Gazebo of Prayer” where we can connect with providence often lost in hectic, everyday life. God Bless.
- Thomas Kinkade

Rest in peace Thomas and thank you for being the Painter of Light and making our homes and lives so very bright! May God comfort those left behind and be with your brother Patrick and your Sister as they come to terms with their loss. May he wrap his loving arms around your girls lift them up in strength and healing during this most difficult of times and may they  know just how amazing and full of grace their Father was and how he truly did lead people out of the darkness and into the light. Enjoy your new journey Thomas and keep painting can’t wait to see what you create in the heavens for all of us! Your legacy lives on and what a legacy it is. You will be missed and remembered.