www.world-wide-art.com “I believe that each of us carries the gift of God’s inner peace in our hearts. And yet, my newest work, A Prayer for Peace, is a poignant reminder that peace in our world is always possible for those who believe and pray. This painting, which re-interprets a classic Dore bible illustration, uses all the resources – human and divine – I could bring to infuse with peace the ancient walled city of Jerusalem. The dramatic figure of a prophet occupies the rocky heights above the city. To my mind, he is a Christ figure, but I have treated him with a deep spirituality that could well be embraced by people of other beliefs. Illuminated by a radiant moon, this holy person prays with all the fervor of his faith, that the warm glow of moonlight can wrap the walled city in a spiritual blanket of serenity. The hope that pervades A Prayer for Peace is a profound reminder that through fervent prayer each of us might find peace – for our soul first and perhaps for our world as well.” – Thomas Kinkade

Los Gatos painter Thomas Kinkade grew famous for his comforting, bucolic and often spiritual paintings — a snowy rural church on Christmas Eve bursting with light from within, a sailing ship at sea emerging from a cloud-flecked sunrise. Music, Amazing Grace, Kevin MacLeod.

www.world-wide-art.com “As I look back over my development as an artist, I come to realize how important the trip Nanette and I and our two oldest girls made to the English Cotswolds early in our marriage really was to my self-discovery. The rustic charm of the thatch-roofed cottages like A Winter’s Cottage, the solidity of their massive stone walls, the way a golden, welcoming light poured through their ample windows – it all came to represent “the simple life” for me, long before I began to use that phrase to express my philosophy of living. I varied my painting technique on that trip as well. I’ve come to recognize that A Winter’s Cottage is one of my early examples of my Impressionist style. It may even be said that my Impressionist persona, Robert Girrard, made his first appearance in the English countryside. I painted Nanette and Merritt posing in the snowy yard. They are emboldened by the nearby A Winter’s Cottage to face the bracing challenge of the storm. The comfort and security of family life allow one to embrace the tests the world offers with courage and spirit.” – Thomas Kinkade

www.world-wide-art.com “Life is filled with quiet surprises. One such delight can be found in an autumn weekend on Mackinac Island, that charming retreat from modern living nestled in the sparkling waters between Lakes Michigan and Huron. The only way to reach Mackinac Island is aboard ferry, and once you’ve arrived, the only modes of transport are walking, bicycles, and romantic horse-drawn carriages. No automobiles or motorcycles disturb the enchanting timelessness. In autumn, crisp beds of red geraniums highlight the lush greenery, while the heady aroma of chocolate fudge blankets the island. The array of charming Victorian homes and hotels, crowned by the magnificent Grand Hotel transports us into centuries past. The nostalgic mood is further underscored by musket fire echoing from the restored Ft. Mackinac. In Autumn on Mackinac Island, carriages clatter down the enchanting lane while bicycles weave languidly to and fro. Nan’s Fudge Shop (a tribute to my wife’s famous fudge recipe) invites us to sample the island’s chief product, while the Grand Hotel peeks proudly from behind the autumn foliage of the trees at the left of the lane. The steeple of the famous Little Stone Church rises above the trees at the right of the composition and geraniums festoon the town with patches of red. Now, with Autumn on Mackinac Island, you can enjoy the season of plenty in this charming, nostalgic haven all year ’round.” – Thomas Kinkade