Fern Coppedge

by Dr. Lori Verderame

Kinkade’s Beginnings

Born in Sacramento, CA in 1958, Thomas Kinkade is America’s most collected contemporary artist. Kinkade is known for his painted images which emphasize the simple pleasures of life. Many of his paintings forecast inspirational messages too. A devout Christian, Kinkade used his talent as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values associated with his faith. He was raised in the small town of Placerville, CA and started sketching as a youngster continuing to make art throughout his life. Thomas Kinkade died in 2012.

Books and Artwork

Thomas Kinkade attended the University of California and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He produced the best-selling instructional book, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching and was affiliated with the Ralph Bakshi Studios creating the background art for the animated feature film Fire and Ice. After working on the animated film, Kinkade worked as a painter, selling his originals in galleries throughout California.

In 1982, he married his wife, Nanette. Two years later, the couple began publishing his artwork in limited editions. For a short time, Kinkade painted under the pseudonym, Robert Girrard. In 1989, Kinkade and Ken Raasch established Lightpost Publishing to market Kinkade’s art. After receiving numerous awards for his art and charitable work, Kinkade was commissioned to commemorate the 2002 Olympic Games and the 2002 World Series.

Thomas Kinkade is known for his commercial art success with images of snow covered cottages, landscapes, and beautiful scenery. Values for his original paintings are extremely high while the prices for his prints offered through Kinkade galleries remain pricey with collectors.

Request an online appraisal of your Thomas Kinkade work from Dr. Lori.