WHAT A RUSH!

There are hardly words to describe the week I've had! As many of you probably know, I have been in Indianapolis this week to kick off the three-year Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era. In honor of this landmark celebration, I have been asked to create an image that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the speedway. The 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 will take place in 2011, capping off this three-year-long celebration.

In my Limited Edition homage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I've incorporated the cars from the past through today. I've also included the magnificence of the famous Pagoda, the historical significance of the Brickyard – and of course the city of Indianapolis in the distance. What the Hulman-George family envisioned when it purchased the Speedway in 1945 through all of the changes – right up to today – will be commemorated in this special piece of artwork. It is a historical encapsulation - celebrating the icons of America’s first and still its most prestigious raceway. A celebration on canvas, this image will span the 100 years of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s history.

Being part of that legacy as the Centennial Era Artist is such an honor and recognition. I am humbled in the midst of so many heroes I remember growing up hearing about and watching them on TV. To be a part with them now in this commemoration is incredible!

Stay tuned to this blog for sneak peeks of the Studio Masterwork, and more thoughts from my amazing experiences at the raceway. Also, check out Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 100th Anniversary Study now available!

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

It's been awhile since I've taken a moment to answer a few of the questions that some of you posted on this blog. Have a question? Don't hesitate to ask - I won't be able to answer all of them, but be patient and I'll answer what I can. God bless!

And for those of you who kindly tried to answer my last bit of trivia, yes, it was Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco that contained the most "N's".

We cannot find information on artist Glen Wessler who inspired you. Where can we find information on him and his works?

His real name is Glenn Anthony Wessels - we were unable to use his true name in the film. You will find quite a bit of information about Glenn online. If you type his name into your favorite search engine, you'll come up with quite a bit of information and biographies, as well as a few examples of his artwork.

I was wondering about something. Is thomaskinkadetv your channel on youtube? or is it a fan channel?

Yes! ThomasKinkadeTV on YouTube is my channel. On there you'll find various video segments - like my on-site footage painting in Rockefeller Center, among others - and Artist's Comments on new releases (like Pinocchio Wishes Upon a Star) as well as old favorites. Enjoy - and let me know what else you'd like to see there!

I'm not sure, but I believe I have an original copy of one of your paintings.

The Thomas Kinkade National Archive in Monterey would be happy to help you determine the authenticity of your painting. The Archive is one of the few authorized locations where I will occasionally put some of my originals on display as well - if you're ever in the Cannery Row area of Monterey, be sure to stop by the charming Harry A. Greene mansion, built in the Moorish-Victorian style on a hill overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. The Archive team would be delighted to give you a tour!

WALT'S FOLLY, PART III

Thank you so much for all the encouraging comments - your enthusiasm for this series of images is contagious and I cannot wait to show you the completed painting!

That said, please save the date! My first worldwide live broadcast from my easel will take place on Saturday, February 21st at 11am PST. I will be unveiling Pinocchio Wishes Upon A Star and discussing my plans for additional images in my Disney Dreams Collection. Have a question you'd like to ask? Feel free to post it here on my blog. I will try to answer as many as possible in the broadcast.

Here are a few more details on this image: I chose to set the scene at the time of day when darkness and light vie with one another for prominence – is it sunset or sunrise? I purposely left that to the viewers imagination. I couldn’t resist adding beautiful and colorful butterflies to the painting. Anyone who knows my art expects that bursts of color will abound. The opportunity to paint such an image in partnership with the Disney organization could be called little else than a dream come true for me. I pray that this image, for you, is also a fairy tale with a happy ending. May Pinocchio Wishes Upon A Star be a dream come true for all those who chose to include it in their collection.

You can log in to the live broadcast free, online, on February 21st by using this link:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/from-the-easel

Don't miss it!

THEY CALLED IT "FOLLY", Part II

I still remember the first time I saw Pinocchio at the movie theater – there is no doubt that the creativity of Walt Disney and his talented team of illustrators have long affected my own imagination and creativity. The music and scenery was then, and still is, one of a kind.

In my tribute to the little puppet who wanted to be real, I have recreated a fanciful scene based upon the original sketches I found in the Disney archives. Look closely and you will find many of the characters from the film – the tempting Pleasure Island beckons in the distance. Monstro, the whale, lurks nearby. The cast of characters present in this image are not all so grim, of course. I’ve also included the Blue Fairy and the great supporting role of Jiminy Cricket, a truer friend no one could ever find.