Kinkade called himself "Painter of Light," a phrase which he registered as a trademark. The phrase has a double meaning. It refers to his characteristic use of [[chiaroscuro]] to convey the impression that the street lamps 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." | Kinkade called himself "Painter of Light," a phrase which he registered as a trademark. The phrase has a double meaning. It refers to his characteristic use of [[chiaroscuro]] to convey the impression that the street lamps 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." |