Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light," Dies at 54
Thomas Kinkade paints the 2007 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City.
Credit: Bennett Raglin/WireImage
Famed artist Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light," died of natural causes at his San Francisco-area home Friday, the Associated Press reports. He was 54.
Claiming to be the world's most collected living artist, Kinkade released artwork -- often featuring landscapes, cottages and churches -- that was said to appear in 10 million homes across the U.S.
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"I'm a warrior for light," the devout Christian artist told the San Jose Mercury News in 2002. "With whatever talent and resources I have, I'm trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel."
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Having drawn and painted since his childhood, Kinkade strived to make his work relatable to the masses.
"I share something in common with Norman Rockwell and, for that matter, with Walt Disney, in that I really like to make people happy," he once said.
Kinkade is survived by his wife, Nanette, and their four daughters.
