Thomas Kinkade

From Conservapedia

Thomas Kinkade (b. 1958) is an American artist who has enjoyed fabulous commercial success. His most famous paintings depict imaginary English countryside scenes, with thatched cottages and a warm glow of light coming from the windows.

Kinkade calls himself "Painter of Light," a phrase which he has registered as a trademark. The phrase has a double meaning. It refers to his characteristic use of chiaroscuro to convey the impression that the streetlamps and windows in his paintings are actually glowing. In fact, the lighting in many of his galleries is designed to give the impression that sunsets are glowing and windows brightly lit when the lights are turned up, and that that the painting depicts a scene at night when the lights are turned down. This optical illusion is quite striking. But it also refers to his identity as a Christian. According to his website, "Kinkade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values."

Most of the products sold by Kinkade's galleries are hybrids, consisting of mass-produced prints which are "highlighted;" that is, touched up with actual paint in key areas, by teams of artists working under Kinkade's direction. In "master edition" prints, the most costly, some of the highlighting is said to be done personally by Kinkade himself.

Thomas Kinkade is a self-described "devout Christian". He says that his art is not just art -- it's a powerful force.