Luminous Lighting

Born in 1958, Thomas Kinkade grew up in the typical small town of Placerville, Calif., where his artistic bent was recognizable by the age of 4. By 16, he was already an accomplished oil painter with a fondness for the delicately dramatic lighting effects that were to become his trademark in later years. Eventually he would perfect this technique, first introduced by a 19th-century group of painters called "luminists," who experimented with colors and pigments to produce a luminous lighting effect in their works. He is a devout Christian who credits the Lord for his talents and inspiration, and all of his paintings, whether of lofty mountains rising through the clouds or the rain-washed streets of a mid-century American town, have a transcendent quality that is uplifting. Says Kinkade: "If people look at my work and are reminded of the way things once were or perhaps the way they could be, then I've done my job."

Inspirational

His paintings' titles are evocative of the inspirational ("The Mountains Declare His Glory," "A New Day Dawning," "A Light in the Storm") or call to mind family values and halcyon times ("Cobblestone Lane," "Victorian Garden," "Hometown Morning"). It is only recently, however, that he actually set out to create paintings explicitly illustrating affirmative values. In his memorable "Life Values Collection," scenes of clearing storms and tranquil seas speak of faith, hope and perseverance and are based on the artist's personal experiences. A devoted family man, Kinkade has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Nannette, since 1982. He pays tribute to her and his four lovely daughters by hiding their names or initials in his paintings, and true Kinkade fans enjoy scanning his works for Nanette's hidden 'N's or sighting the couple's anniversary date inscribed as inconspicuous numbers on little boats.

Local Galleries

The San Antonio area is blessed with nine Thomas Kinkade "Signature Galleries" (listed below) authorized to carry a complete line of Thomas Kinkade art and accessories, from limited-edition lithographs to Collectors' Society kits, Lamplight Village pieces and mugs, stationery, plates and more, all bearing reproductions of the artist's familiar paintings.

The pleasantly appointed galleries offer items in all price ranges, from hand-signed lithographs to a night light illuminating a miniature version of "The Sea of Tranquility," making it possible for everyone to bring the light of Thomas Kinkade into their home and lives.

SAN ANTONIO GALLERIES

River Center Mall, 210-223-2565

849 East Commerce, Store 205

Hyatt Regency in the Atrium, 210-224-1930

123 Losoya, Suite 5

Alamo Quarry Market, 210-804-2392

255 East Basse Road, Suite 400

Huebner Oaks Shopping Center, 210-691-1085

11745 I-10 West, Suite 519

Rolling Oaks Mall, 210-651-0491

6909 North Loop 1604 East

North Star Mall, 210-541-8148

7400 San Pedro, Suite 352

OUT-OF-TOWN GALLERIES

Fredericksburg, 830-990-2335

Hill Country Gallery,

124 East Main

McAllen, 956-631-0559

La Plaza Mall, 2200 South 10th Street

Corpus Christi, 361-994-0470

Padre Staples Mall, 5488 South Padre Island Drive