A Painter of Light

This post is dedicated to Thomas Kinkade. Although I didn't know much about him, I always found joy in his paintings, especially their magnificent light. Included are some of my favorite Kinkade paintings.

Hometown Christmas

Kinkade grew up in Placerville, CA, very near to where I live now. He attended UC Berkeley, as well as the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. After college, he traveled around the U.S. with his college-friend and the duo authored a book called The Artist's Guide to Sketching in 1982. The book's success paved the way to creating the background art for an animated feature, Fire and Ice in 1983.

Indy Excitement

While working on the Fire and Ice, Kinkade was fascinated by depiction of light and imagined worlds, and this is what led to his eventual world-renowned artistic style. His paintings glow with natural highlights and are immersed with pastel colors. Christian themes also became prominent in his work, often depicting a cross or churches.

Beauty and the Beast Falling in Love

Despite his growing popularity, Kinkade was often criticized for the lack of artistic substance in his paintings. Many proclaimed that his art had become too commercialized and more like "mall art." Well aware of his stigma, Kinkade once proclaimed, "I am really the most controversial artist in the world."

The Light of Peace

Kinkade died at home on April 6, 2012. Regardless of his controversial image, his paintings inspired feelings of peace and tranquility in me. Whether people thought he was a world class artist, or just a kitsch artist, there is no doubt that this Painter of Light had a profound impact in the artistic community.

Victorian Christmas

"Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them."

-Thomas Kinkade

Sunset at Riverbend Farm

Sisters in Death

I was really saddened by a news story over the weekend. Three young sorority girls were killed in a head-on collision.

The three girls, members of the sorority Alpha Xi, were leaving Bowling Green, Ohio, on their way to enjoy spring break. There were two other girls in the car, who were seriously injured and the driver of the other car, also died. The other driver, a 69-year-old woman was reportedly going the wrong way on the Interstate for over seven miles. The girls (maybe fortunately) never even knew what hit them.

For the full story, click here.

I was in a sorority and when I look at their pictures, it's like looking at my sorority's portraits. I cannot imagine what their family and friends are going through. To lose a child, a sister, a friend in such a horrific way has to be beyond devastating.

Unfortunately, tragic stories like this happen everyday and you never know what tomorrow holds. So, remember to live life to the fullest and always tell your loved ones that you love them.

You never know when it might be the last thing you ever say to them.