Thomas Kinkade

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, with 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. 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 done personally by Kinkade himself.