A LEGEND PORTRAYS A LEGEND

In trying to identify the right person to portray my mentor, Glenn Wessels (in the film, Glen Wessman), Michael Campus tells me that from the get-go, he had only one man in mind. His first, second, third and fourth choice for the role of Glen was the great Peter O'Toole. It was beyond our wildest dreams that, first of all, such an incredible and reknowned actor would even deign to read our script, and almost unfathomable that he would agree to the part. Mr. O'Toole, now 76, chooses his roles, these days, very carefully. In his own words, he must truly love a script to even consider taking the part - when he read for us, and agreed to take on the role, we were ecstatic. He tells us that he has always wanted to play the part of an artist - since boyhood his closest friend has been the artist Patrick Oliver. A painter, he was Mr. O'Toole's inspiration behind the role of Glen Wessman. Mr. O'Toole exudes the same passion, verve, vision and talent that I saw in Glenn Wessels. He does him honor by his portrayal in the film.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The film "Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage" would never have existed were it not for a chance meeting. Nanette and I were enjoying a weekend in our beloved Carmel-by-the-Sea, and were out to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. As we enjoyed our quiet evening, we observed the other guests with whom we were sharing the dining room. Another couple dined just across from us and I remarked that the gentleman was clearly a man of intellect and creativity. I mused that he must either be a professional musician, or perhaps in film. I decided to strike up a conversation and it was there that we began our fast and immediate friendship with Michael and Arla Campus. I shared with him my lifelong dream to bring my artwork to the world of film, and we spent hours dreaming, conceptualizing, conspiring, about how that might be possible.

Michael shared with me a dream to create and direct a film that celebrated all that is truly worthy of the holiday season - the warmth of home, the love of family. We began a beautiful partnership that evening that has resulted in the release of this film, and what I hope someday will be more.

QUESTIONS

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.

I would love to see you use your imagination and paint what you think heaven would look like. With you being the Painter of Light, I can only imagine what a lovely canvas this would make.

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?

A BIT OF MY JOURNEY

As a young artist searching for purpose and meaning, I experimented with many different styles, or genres, of painting as a student. While in school at UC Berkeley, or later at the Art Center of Pasadena, I struggled to find my own personal style, something which had meaning for me upon which I could build my life's work. A bit of this journey is chronicled in the film Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage, and I'm delighted to share with you that the DVD will be released this November. I hope you will enjoy this snapshot of my life as a young artist as I return home for Christmas during a turbulent emotional time. The film is entirely based on actual events, and if I may say so, is an excellent representation of reality. Directed by Michael Campus, with an incredible original score by Aaron Zigman, and featuring the incredible talent of Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden and Peter O'Toole. Jared plays the young Thomas Kinkade. Though I’m not sure I ever measured up to Jared’s good looks - in personality at least, Nanette claims that Jared is very much like I was back then!