Thomas Kinkade

Biography

In the very beginning of his artistic career, Thomas Kinkade put his entire life savings into the printing of his first lithograph. Though at the time he was already an acclaimed illustrator, Thom found that he was inspired not by fame and fortune, but by the simple act of painting straight from the heart, putting on canvas the natural wonders and images that moved him most. It was this dedication and singular-minded focus on the ultimate goal of Sharing the Light™ that made Thomas Kinkade, a simple boy with a brush from the small country town of Placerville, California the most-collected living artist of his time.

Throughout his life, Thomas Kinkade shared his joy and used his paints in support of hospitals, schools, and humanitarian relief. Though the recipient of countless awards and honors, it was Thom’s profound sense of purpose that his art was not just an accessory, but also a ministry, that continues as his legacy. From custom images that were sold for The Salvation Army, Hurricane Katrina relief, Rotary International, to donations that now grace the halls of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the White House, The Vatican, and Britain’s Tate Museum, Thom raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over his lifetime for charity.

Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light™, emphasized simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his art – and the branded products created from that art. From textiles, to collectibles, to music and books, Thom gave credit to a higher power for both the ability and the inspiration to create his paintings. His goal as an artist was to touch people of all faiths, to bring peace and joy into their lives through the images he had created.

Thom’s dearest wish had always been that his artwork would be a messenger of hope and inspiration to others – a message to slow down, appreciate the little details in life, and to look for beauty in the world around us. As millions of collectors around the world sit back and enjoy his artwork in their homes, there is no doubt that Thomas Kinkade had indeed achieved his goal of Sharing the Light™.

Stationery Products

In October 2000, Messenger introduced a line of stationery products utilizing the licensed art of Thomas Kinkade, America's most recognizable and most-collected living artist before his death in 2012. Many artists aspire to Kinkade and imitate the techniques signature to his pieces, but none are quite as captivating or as authentic as those by the Painter of Light himself. Since 2000, Messenger's Thomas Kinkade collection has grown to 10 stunning and exclusive Thomas Kinkade stationery series. 

In 2013, Messenger introduced Eternal Springtime, another spectacular piece from Thomas Kinkade. This painting was to become Kinkade's final piece as it was found resting on his well-worn easel at the time of his unexpected death in April 2012. The artwork is very symbolic, featuring an empty bench in the garden where a book or bible is left behind. The alluring beauty of all of Thomas Kinkade's art provides a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate the life of a loved one.

Thomas Kinkade artwork can be found on a wide variety of Messenger products including register books, service folders, acknowledgement cards, bookmarks, prayer cards, presentation folders, tote bags, assistance guides, bereavement pamphlets, note cards and more.