First of all, dear friends, I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to post comments and questions on this blog. I am delighted with your response; it makes me all the more eager to share my thoughts and opinions with you. For this week's post, I wanted to take a few moments to respond to just a few of the questions that have been posted in recent weeks. If I have overlooked yours, please feel free to comment again and I will try to do this every so often.I was wondering where I can find something about the numbers you use in your paintings. I found information about the letters, but I am interested in the use of the numbers, where, why, in which paintings.
I've always enjoyed incorporating the use of symbolism in my artwork. As many of you know, I often include the letter "N" as a tribute to my wife, Nanette, and you'll find the total number to be found within each image painted in the bottom corner of the artwork near my signature. Sometimes it's just a few - 3 or 4 (I've just completed Graceland Christmas - it only has 3 - watch for it in your local gallery in the coming weeks) - and other times I go all out. Does anyone know which of my past images includes the most "Ns"? Hint: there were 156 in this particular image...
As for the numbers found in my paintings - I often will include my daughters' birthdates, or on occasion, a number signifying an important relationship with a good friend. Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco illustrates this, as the boat in the foreground has the numbers 41078, representing the birthday of the daughter of one of our close friends. You may also often see the numbers 5282...a tribute to my best friend with whom I celebrated 26 years of marriage last May 2nd.
Did you ever paint in the subway [in New York City]?
Nope! Times Square, Rock Center, many other street corners and sidewalks, but never the subway. Not as much room for inspiration down there, and I can't imagine trying to set up an easel that won't get knocked over by the crowds.
Actually, I have often painted bits and pieces of my own personal heavenly perceptions. Many of my garden scenes have been inspired by the natural world, but in my imagination, have taken on my own personal glimpse of the eternal. A few that immediately come to mind: Stairway to Paradise, and Pathway to Paradise. The Garden of Prayer, and it's companion, Pools of Serenity. In Lakeside Manor, I tried to create a mansion that is worthy of a heavenly paradise. Beyond Spring Gate depicts a paradise where love and peace prevail. That's pretty much Heaven, to me.
All of these images, and many others, are available for viewing on our company website at http://www.thomaskinkade.com/. Use the "Zoom" tool to take a closer look. What dates, street names, or other hidden secrets can you find? 
8 comments:
wow, my family has 5 of your work in our house, and when I was little, I used to love to count the "n"'s that I could find in your paintings!!!! My name startes with an "n" so I always thought it was pretty cool, and then when I saw it was because your wifes name starts with an "n" I though that was the sweetest thing ever! As a sophmore in high school, I have been doing art from the age of 7. Your work in painting is still an inspiration to me.
Dear Mr Kinkade
My name is Emma and I am over in New Zealand. I was born here but I married an American and that is how I first became aware of your work. We have the Beacon of Hope painting that was my husbands mothers painting before she died of cancer and it had special meaning to her. My husband just purchased Snow White Discovers the Cottage from the Valencia gallery and they shipped it all the way here for us. You were there to hand sign it for me which is also super special! I was so delighted with it and stare at it everyday. I can't wait to see the next one in the series and I wonder when that is expected to be released? I particularly liked what you said about the castle being in the background and it being a sign that hope was just around the corner. I have a disability and life has certainly had it's ups and down because of it so this painting has truly blessed me and reminds me to keep my trust and hope in God even in the difficult times.
God Bless
Emma Baker
Thomas,
I wanted to tell you about a remarkable experience. I have had a gnawing idea for a positive and uplifting business. The original idea and subsequent details would come to me vividly, usually when on a long drive. A few weeks ago, my wife and I visited the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, New York. At the top of the stairs of the 2nd floor was a large c.1875 panaromic painting by Albert Bierstadt entitled "Mt. Whitney". The painting immediately filled me with a sense of wonder at what a beautiful and inspiring place thsi world is. I then felt a renewed energy at pursuing my business idea. I was so inspired by the work that I bought a large poster print and had it framed for placement in my office. A few weeks have passed and I have had that continual "gnawing" sensation regarding starting that business. Then yesterday, I happened upon your book "Lightposts for Living" and randomly opened the book to page 194/195. I was drawn to the title of the section "Don't Let It Get Away" which centers on acting upon creative inspiration. What happened next startled me! Opposite the words "Don't Let It Get Away" was a full-page color plate of a work of yours that was strikingly familiar to the right portion of the Bierstadt work which I have been meditating upon for weeks! I truly believe that the "gnawing feeling" I have been experiencing was God gently tapping on my shoulder. Further, I believe that your book (and those pages), being presented to me the way that they were, was more of a "push" validating that my inspiration and business idea are on the mark!
Jim
The most N's you've ever put in a painting, was it Golden Gate Bridge?
Dear Mr KinKade
I'm not sure, but I believe I have an original copy of one of your paintings. I stare at it all the time because its a beautiful poetry. The name on it is signed THoma s. How can I know whether or not its your work?
Dear Mr. Kincaid,
My father passed away this past April. He was an avid collector of your paintings. And loved reading your books, and displaying anything that you had signed your name to. Between the hussle and bustle of every day life and the dedication he had to his work, He had found a love for any moment he could grab and relax pondering on all of the paintings he had purchased over the past 2 years. The gallery there in California new him by name. I am sure they loved to see him walk through the door. :) I was pleased to hear that you had signed an agreement with Trigard Bronze for headstones. Any wanted to ask you a few questions about it. If there is anyway for you to contact me, my family would be very pleased. Thank you.
Sincerly,
Chelsie Thompson
I read a little about your background and education on the internet, but I am wondering what you would recommend to aspiring artists. Is there a certain college you would recommend, or another approach? Is there anything you would have done differently if you could do it over again? Any other advice?
I love everything about your work, and I’m really excited to hear what you have to say!
Dear Thom, I have your painting of "The Garden of Prayer". It was a gift from my sister. It is a beautiful painting and one of my favorites! I would like to know where the seven N's are in the painting. I tried many times and I cannot find any of them. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Marie
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