19 January 1958
Thomas Kinkade was born
Thomas Kinkade was born on January 19, 1958, in the small town of Placerville, California.
3 January 1972
Began apprenticeship with Glenn Wessels
Thom began working with Glenn Wessels, an artist and former professor in the Art Department at the University of California.
2 January 1978
Art Center College of Design
Thom transferred to the Art Center College of Design.
1 January 1980
The Prince of Peace
Thom paints The Prince of Peace after being inspired to find Christ and become a true Christian.
7 April 1982
The Artist’s Guide to Sketching
Co-authored “The Artist’s Guide to Sketching” with James Gurney
9 April 1982
Marriage to Nanette
Thom married his childhood sweetheart, Nanette.
7 April 1984
Dawson
Published first print - Dawson
1 January 1985
Robert Girrard
Painted under the brush name of Robert Girrard, allowing him to experiment in style and subject matter using the techniques of French Impressionists
1 January 1988
Birth of Daughter, Merritt Kinkade
Daughter Merritt Kinkade is born, and Thom paints Evening at Merritt’s Cottage as a tribute to his firstborn.
31 December 1989
Yosemite Valley, Late Afternoon Light at Artist’s Point
Yosemite Valley, Late Afternoon Light at Artist’s Point is named the official print of the National Parks System. Thomas Kinkade is the only American artist to win two Founder's Awards from the National Parks Academy for the Arts.
1 January 1990
The Rotary Club Meeting
Named first Official Artist for Rotary International, and painted The Rotary Club Meeting with all proceeds going to Rotary International's various charities.
1 January 1990
Created Lightpost Publishing
Thomas Kinkade founded Lightpost Publishing
1 January 1991
Birth of Daughter Chandler Kinkade
Daughter, Chandler Kinkade is born, and Thom paints Chandler's Cottage in tribute to his second-born.
1 January 1992
First NALED Honors
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom for the first time as the NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year for Moonlit Sleigh Ride.
1 January 1993
Glory of Morning
Thomas Kinkade wins the Collector Editions' Award for Excellence for Glory of Morning.
1 April 1993
Glory Of Evening
Thomas Kinkade wins the Collector Editions' Award for Excellence for Glory of Evening.
1 February 1994
NALED Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Artist of the Year.
6 April 1995
NALED Graphic Artist Of The Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honor Thom for the first time as NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
11 July 1995
Birth of Daughter, Winsor Kinkade
Daughter, Winsor Kinkade is born, and in tribute, Thomas paints Winsor Manor.
1 January 1996
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
11 July 1997
Birth of Daughter, Everett Kinkade
Daughter, Everett Kinkade, is born, and Thom paints Everett's Cottage in tribute.
1 January 1998
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
1 January 1999
NALED Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Artist of the Year.
1 February 1999
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
1 January 2000
Visit with Pope John Paul II
Thomas Kinkade visits the Vatican in Rome and has an audience with Pope John Paul II.
1 January 2003
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
1 January 2004
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom as the NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.
6 April 2012
In Memoriam
Celebrated American artist Thomas Kinkade passed away, leaving a legacy for generations.
25 April 2022
Official Launch of Thomas Kinkade Reserve
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