Painter Thomas Kinkade dies at 54

Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light" for his pieces depicting sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in dewy morning light, died on April 6, 2012 at age 54.

Kinkade's paintings often focused on idyllic landscapes, cottages and churches. "I share something in common with Norman Rockwell and, for that matter, with Walt Disney, in that I really like to make people happy," Kinkade said of his work.

He claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist, and 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.

His paintings led to other opportunities for merchandising, including Kincaid Furniture's Lamplite Lane Collection.

He has authored or been the subjects of numerous books, including the romance novel "Cape Light."

According to his website, Kinkade's paintings have been reproduced in hand-signed lithographs, canvas prints, books, posters, calendars, magazine covers, cards, collector plates and figurines. The website touts his Disney collection and offers a gallery locator, where fans can find nearby dealers.

Parsons Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery in Cumming sells exclusive Thomas Kinkade art and licensed products including books, plates, puzzles, tapestry and stationery.

A biography on his website said Kinkade rejected "the intellectual isolation of the artist" and instead, made "each of his works an intimate statement that resonates in the personal lives of his viewers."

Kinkade unveiled his painting, "Prayer For Peace," at the opening of the exhibit "From Abraham to Jesus," Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 in Atlanta. The exhibit guided visitors through biblical stories with more than 300 artifacts, videos, paintings and an audio tour voiced by an archaeologist with a sense of humor.

Kinkade signed a painting for a buyer at an event at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth in 2007.

Libby and Tony Brown stop to view the Thomas Kinkade painting "Victorian Autumn" at the Gwinnett Center in 2007.

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Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light" for his pieces depicting sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in dewy morning light, died on April 6, 2012 at age 54.

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