Glenn Wessels, Friend and Mentor

I’m so pleased and glad that my film, Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage, touched so many when it recently appeared on TV. I’ve heard from so many people telling me that that their families enjoyed the movie together during the holidays. Thank you from my family for all the warm comments.

To answer many of the questions, the film does reflect my early days, including the struggles and challenges. And there really was a "Glenn" who mentored me and taught me so much. Glenn Wessels, of course, was portrayed by Peter O’Toole in the movie and it is a wonderful, timeless performance.

Glenn was a true blessing to me and I have never forgotten his teachings. I try to this day to bring them into each piece I paint. Several people have asked about Glenn's "last painting" as depicted in the movie, but I must admit that there was a bit of Hollywood tinkering done there.

You can find more about Glenn Wessels by going to the Internet. Here's one link with a short biography.

And you may remember this photo of Glenn and me at the end of the movie:
Happy New Year to All From Us and Everyone at the Thomas Kinkade Company.