Who Is Thomas Kinkade? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Thomas Kinkade, born on January 19, 1958, is an iconic American painter celebrated for his realistic and idyllic representations of nature and landscapes. Known as the "Painter of Light," his artwork features serene scenes that invite viewers into a world of tranquility. Kinkade's unique style combined traditional techniques with commercial artistry, making his pieces widely popular among collectors and art enthusiasts alike. As of 2025, Kinkade would have turned 67, and while he passed away in 2012, his legacy continues to influence artists and inspire fans across the globe.
| Occupation | Painters |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1958 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 April, 2012 |
| Died Place | Monte Sereno, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Thomas Kinkade's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Thomas Kinkade's height and weight are not widely documented, he was known to have a robust presence. Kinkade was often described as someone who carried himself with an aura of warmth and charm, traits reflected in his art. His height is estimated to be around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), with a corresponding weight that may have varied throughout his life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Thomas Kinkade was married to his wife, Nanette Kinkade, with whom he shared four daughters. The couple’s relationship was marked by shared values and artistic passions. As Kinkade was dedicated to his family, he often incorporated familial themes into his artwork. While there have been discussions around his personal life, including struggles and challenges within marriage, his legacy remains tied to his family's influence and the love they shared.
He grew up in the town of Placerville, where he was raised by a single mother, who was so poor that they often could not afford heating or lighting. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1976, and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of his career, Thomas Kinkade amassed a staggering net worth estimated at around $70 million. His art sales, licensing deals, and business ventures contributed significantly to his wealth. The demand for his works continues to resonate in the art market, and pieces from his extensive catalog are sold at auctions and galleries worldwide for impressive sums.
Kinkade is reportedly one of the most counterfeited artists, in large part because of advances in affordable, high resolution digital photography and printing technology. Additionally, mass-produced hand-painted fakes from countries such as China and Thailand abound in the U.S. and around the globe.
In 2011, the Kinkade studio said that Kinkade was the most collected artist in Asia but received no income from those regions because of widespread forgery.
Career, Business, and Investments
Thomas Kinkade began his career in art at a young age, honing his skills at the University of California, Berkeley. He developed a distinct artistic style that captured the hearts of millions, resulting in numerous galleries and exhibitions dedicated to his works. Kinkade was not just an artist; he was also an entrepreneur who founded his own publishing company, paving the way for franchising his art and creating an empire based on his unique visions.
His investments also included various real estate projects, which aligned with his love for picturesque settings reflective of his artwork. Even posthumously, Kinkade’s works remain a profitable investment, generating ongoing revenue in the fine art market.
William Thomas Kinkade III (January 19, 1958 – April 6, 2012) was an American painter of popular realistic, pastoral, and idyllic subjects. He is notable for achieving success during his lifetime with the mass marketing of his work as printed reproductions and other licensed products by means of the Thomas Kinkade Company.
According to Kinkade's company, one in every twenty American homes owned a copy of one of his paintings.
Social Network
While Thomas Kinkade himself was not a part of the modern social media landscape due to his passing before its rise, his legacy is celebrated online through various fan pages and art collectors’ groups. Currently, fan communities can be found on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where art enthusiasts share Kinkade’s works, discuss messages behind his paintings, and celebrate his contributions to the art world.
"This is another area that the contemporary art world has a hard time with, that I find interesting. He expresses what he believes and puts that in his art. That is not the trend in the high-art world at the moment, the idea that you can express things spiritually and be taken seriously ...
It is always difficult to present serious religious ideas in an art context. That is why I like Kinkade. It is a difficult thing to do."
Education
Thomas Kinkade's education played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic identity. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his technical skills and developed his unique style. After leaving university, Kinkade continued exploring various artistic endeavors, including illustrating greeting cards, which helped him enhance his painting techniques and refine his distinctive approach to light and landscapes.
In conclusion, while Thomas Kinkade has left this world, his artistic influence continues to echo in the hearts of many. His idyllic portrayals of nature and family life resonate with generations, solidifying his place in American art history long beyond his years.
During June 1980, Kinkade spent a summer traveling across the United States with his college friend James Gurney. The two of them finished their journey in New York and secured a contract with Guptill Publications to produce a sketching handbook. Two years later they produced a book, The Artist's Guide to Sketching, which was one of Guptill Publications' best-sellers that year.
