Thomas Kinkade's Blog

Nanette's Country Fresh Biscuits

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:20:00 +0000

As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm starting to think about Nanette's great Thanksgiving dishes, including her Country Fresh Biscuits, which are featured in The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories, written by Nanette and myself.

Try Nanette's Country Fresh Biscuits and place them aside your turkey this Thanksgiving Day. Here's the recipe:

Country Fresh Biscuits

Makes 24

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup instant non-fat dry-milk powder
2 tablespoons double-acting baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup shortening
1 ½ tablespoons water

1.)Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.)In a large bowl using a fork, mix together all ingredients except shortening and water. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut shortening into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until moistened. If mixture is dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3.)Turn dough onto a floured work surface and, with floured hands, knead 8 to 10 times until smooth. With a floured rolling pin, roll dough ¾-inch thick. With a floured 2 1/2 –inch cookies cutter, cut biscuits and place into a baking sheet, 1 inch apart. Press trimmings together, roll together and cut. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

More About the The Disney Family Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:03:00 +0000

The new Walt Disney Family Museum is creating a buzz not just in the San Francisco Bay Area but throughout the world. Here's more about this amazing museum:

The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney, whose artistry, creations, and vision helped define 20th-century American culture, will be brought to life at The Walt Disney Family Museum, which opens in San Francisco on October 1, 2009. The Museum will illuminate Walt Disney’s tremendous successes, disappointments, and unyielding optimism as he pursued innovation and excellence while entertaining and enchanting generations worldwide through his pioneering ventures.

The creator of Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disneyland, and the global yet distinctly American company that bears his name, Disney was a risk-taker who started his first business at the age of 19 and worked tirelessly to elevate animation to an art form. He invented timeless and much beloved characters and stories that brought the fantastical to life and continue to inspire a sense of wonder. Through animated and live-action films, television programs, and theme parks, Disney created global symbols, icons, and characters that, more than 40 years after his death, are an indelible part of popular culture in America and around the world.

The Walt Disney Family Museum will illustrate how Disney’s irrepressible creativity enriched the imagination of generations. The Museum will tell the story of the man behind the myth in Disney’s own voice and in exhibits that reveal his expansive vision, from early drawings of some of his most popular characters to plans for Disneyland and EPCOT.

“My father has one of the most well-known names around the world, but as the Disney ‘brand’ has grown, the man has become lost,” said Diane Disney Miller, one of the Museum’s founders. “We are committed to telling the story of Walt Disney’s life, in his own words, and in the words of others who knew him well and worked with him. My father was very open, and in the many conversations and interviews that you will hear in the galleries, you learn the story of his life. It is a wonderful story, and Dad himself loved to tell it. Thanks to the amazing work of many dedicated people, we are fortunate to be able to tell it here using the tools he worked with—art, music, film, and technology—to present an honest yet affectionate portrait of this amazing artist and man.”

“From Steamboat Willie to Pinocchio to EPCOT, Walt Disney’s unyielding ambition was to ignite a sense of wonder and to mesmerize audiences through great storytelling,” said Richard Benefield, Founding Executive Director of The Walt Disney Family Museum. “He recognized the power of art to spark the imagination and, time and again, pushed himself and his companies to the breaking point as he pursued the highest level of excellence in everything he did. The Walt Disney Family Museum will present the compelling story of his life—of his successes and failures—as he entertained and enlightened the nation while it struggled with the Great Depression, joined the fight of World War II, and entered a golden age of prosperity and preeminence.”

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Amber AfternoonMy Victorian Autumn

Autumn Lane

I've always loved this time of year. When the colors change, the air carries a chill and the children get ready for the big night--Halloween. I always reflect back on my Autumn images during this time of the year.

Three of them are most memorable.

Amber Afternoon is a romantic love sonnet about the charms of the autumn season; the cooling moisture of rains and mist and the occasional scent of burning leaves.

My Victorian Autumn, the fourth seasonal addition to my series of idyllic family retreats, visits an imposing Victorian mansion in the fall of the year. Light pours through the rectangular windows, providing a glimpse of the comfortable family life unfolding within. The change of seasons is well underway, and nature is blessed by an abundance of color. The near foliage is lavish with the last blossoms of summer, the reds, pinks, blues, and purples of a floral bouquet, while the trees have already begun to flame red and gold with the vibrant hues of autumn.

Autumn Lane follows a rural road into the cool depths of an autumn forest. The scene is rich with the pleasures of the season; the quiet shadows are deep, the morning lights brilliant, the hardwoods are simply on fire.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:39:00 +0000

I unveiled my new Christmas image today on ShopNBC. It's called Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful, which is the first of my new Christmas Chapel collection, planned for three images.

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful:

I have placed a total of 25 N's in Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful in tribute to my wife Nanette, as well as in celebration for my 25 years as a published artist.

Did you know that the top five selling Chapel images of all time are: Mountain Chapel, Forest Chapel, Streams of Living Water, Sunday Evening Sleigh Ride and Dogwood Chapel?

Did you know that the top five selling Christmas scenes of all-time are: Holiday Gathering, Village Christmas, Blessings of Christmas, Sunday Evening Sleigh Ride and Lights of Liberty?

In this work, I feature a new technique called "the radiant palette", where I intensify the mid range. This makes the glow more intense and radiant than ever, while the shadows grow darker.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful features a country church - with an old-fashioned celebration of Christmas in the country -an intimate gathering of family and friends on Christmas Eve.

This is an classic timeless image of Christmas. My favorite part is the ragged cross on the steeple. I wanted to portray the light of hope that we can have during Christmas. The cross is a symbol of hope.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful is a celebration of details, with a Christmas Eve service in progress - the log building glowing with light pouring out. We can tell that people are inside celebrating, with a fire to keep them warm, maybe even singing the hymn,"O Come All Ye Faithful".

Tomorrow on ShopNBC

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:45:00 +0000

My appearances on ShopNBC are also fun, informative and a great venue for new announcements and great surprises.

Tomorrow, I will be on ShopNBC for two different segments--at 7:00 am to 9:00 am and again at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

For more details, visit my schedule of upcoming TV appearances on my Web site.

Tomorrow, I'll be unveiling a special image. The only clue I can share with you is this--it's a Christmas painting titled after a popular Christmas carol.

Stay tuned. You'll find some facts about this newest image tomorrow...

Sunday Stroll

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:07:00 +0000

For Sunday Stroll, a new release, I have turned back the clock to an era when the Impressionists were in full glory. Various elements within the painting direct us through the scene. The bridge in the distance is one of countless spans that cross the river Seine, many of which date back to the days of the Romans. At the right of the composition we get just a hint of the booksellers. They are truly an ubiquitous part of the walking paths that line the Seine. Sail boats suggest the perfect relaxation of such a moment, while figures clad in 19th century garments remind us that it's an ideal time to make a memory. The bench invites us to enter the scene and relax. Perhaps it is time to settle back and feel the sunshine on your shoulders and ponder life's goodness.

This image brings back many memories as my wonderful time painting under the name Robert Girrard. I always look back at those great times and this painting reminds me so much about that period in my life.

The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:53:00 +0000

The new Walt Disney Family Museum is a great plus for the San Francisco Bay Area. It opened last week, and the area is very excited about the new facility. Disney is more popular than ever.

Here is some information about this great new museum:

Their mission statement is: “The Walt Disney Family Museum presents the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctly American legacy.”

The Museum will tell Walt Disney’s story in his own words and those of his family, friends, and co-workers. Using a mix of historic materials and artifacts, Disney’s achievements will come to life through innovative displays that include listening stations, interactive media, and more than 200 video monitors. Much of the material is being generously lent by the Walt
Disney Company and private collectors.

Stay tuned. There will undoubtedly be several new announcements concerning the new Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco’s Presidio.

There is Nothing Like Paris!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Nanette and I were in Paris and spent several wonderful days bicycling through the French countryside earlier this month. We always covet our magical moments in France together. Whenever I have returned from this part of the globe, I can’t help but reflect on my time there. Everything just slows down a full step or two in Paris—you can’t help yourself.

We felt ourselves instantly relax as we savored every turn down the countryside’s roads during our cycling adventure. There is nothing like it anywhere and I still think fondly about every minute I have ever experienced in France. If you haven’t visited Paris, you must. Then, you’ll know exactly how we feel when we’re there.

I’ve just released a Robert Girrard image, Summer Stroll—a painting that I believe captures my love affair with France and specifically Paris. Visit this blog within the next week or so to read more about my reflections about Summer Stroll.

More About My D23 Expo Appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Here is some more information about my great experience at the D23 Expo last weekend.

Here is the program's description of what took place at my appearance last Saturday:

“Be among the first to catch a glimpse as we unveil the magic of Disney with the newest masterpiece and breathtaking rendering from the “Timeless Moments Collection” by famed artist and “painter of light” Thomas Kinkade. One of the most collected and beloved artists of our day, Kinkade’s colorful work emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages. Disney and Thoma Kinkade collectors alike will be enchanted and engaged by the luminous light and tranquil mood of this collection.”

Here’s some more background information about D23. It is "The Official Community for Disney Fans" — the first of its kind in the Company's 85-year history. From our enchanting theme parks to our legendary animation studio, Disney is known for having a deep-rooted respect for the wonderful legacy we've built through the years and the creativity that continues to take us to new heights. But one of the most important parts of that fantastic legacy is our fans. To thank all of our fans, we have created D23 with its one-of-a-kind experiences, special events, collectibles, quarterly publication, Web site, and opportunities to meet others who share the same affection and fascination for Disney. D23 offers fans an insider peek at every corner of Disney, from the Parks, animation and stage shows to television and film to the treasures of the legendary Walt Disney Archives.

It was a great chance to meet with all my fans. Disney is a wonderful name throughout the world, and the people at D23 Expo were the biggest Disney fans from throughout U.S., Europe. South America, Russia and China, just to name a few.

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:48:00 +0000

The first D23 Expo took place at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10–13, 2009. It was the single largest gathering of all things Disney ever assembled. Almost every part of The Walt Disney Company was represented. The "D" stands for Disney, and "23" represents 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what was to ultimately become The Walt Disney Company. My Saturday appearance was great. Meeting all these really serious Disney fans was a pleasure.

Cinderella is Finally Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:28:00 +0000

My newest Disney image, Cinderella Wishes Upon A Star is fully revealed. What a thrill it was painting one of the true Disney classics. Thanks for so many people who responded to our drawing. And congratulations to our huge winner--Gregory Jepsen of Gloversville, New York!

See My Newest Disney Image Today on ShopNBC

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

The public's reaction to this newest Disney Dreams Collection painting has generated a generous buzz. Thanks for everyone who entered our drawing and thanks for everyone that guessed. The answers are finally here!

Find out today, by tuning in to ShopNBC on Friday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) and again on Saturday, September 5 at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Central Time), for a series of two-hour appearances. We're planning to anticipate a few dust surprises during these shows!

Excited Winners, Big Unveilings and More!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:34:00 +0000

I've just completed my newest Disney Dreams Collection image, but I can't give you the facts until tomorrow during my appearance on ShopNBC.

Gregory Jepsen of Gloversville, New York was just announced as the excited winner of our Disney Dreams Collection Contest. Stay tuned, because we're in the process of planning another fun drawing soon.

As our big winner, Greg will win a 12” x 18” limited edition canvas of my newest Disney Dreams image, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, valued at $750.

What is my newest Disney Dreams image? Have you guessed yet? Find out tomorrow, by tuning in to ShopNBC on Friday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) and again on Saturday, September 5 at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Central Time), for a series of two-hour appearances. We're planning to anticipate a few dixie dust surprises during these shows!

Exciting New Disney Dreams News!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:36:00 +0000

First, here's our #3 clue for my newest Disney Dreams Collection image. Many blog readers have contributed their comments, submitting their guesses as we rapidly approach the unveiling.

And here's a big announcement--don't miss my next ShopNBC Show--for a special surprise!

The interest in my Disney Dreams Collection series has built and grown to where it is today. I started with Snow White Discovers the Cottage, followed with Pinocchio Wishes A Star and then recently unveiled Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland. The sold out status of these magical images has created a huge buzz.

What is my newest image? To find out, tune in to Shop NBC on Friday, September 4th at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) and again on Saturday, September 5th at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Central Time), for a series of two-hour appearances. We're planning to anticipate a few dixie dust surprises during these shows!

Can You Guess My Disney Dreams Image On its Way?

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Here are some additional clues to my newest Disney Dreams image?

The mice are always at play!

You won't be disappointed--it's decided...

When the clock strikes, you'll be delighted.

STAY TUNED!

More Reponses to Our Disney Dreams Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:05:00 +0000

As we're approaching the unveil day, Disney fans are offering their opinions for the subject for my newest Disney image. Here are some of the more popular films and characters offered from entrants to the contest. To enter this contest, go here.

LADY AND THE TRAMP

"I think that the next Disney moment should be from Lady and the Tramp. In particular, my idea would be to paint Lady and the Tramp when they are in the park looking down on the city after their dinner at Tony's. You could include the heart with their names, some of the more infamous dogs from the pound in the bushes and flowers and Tony's restaurant could be seen in the distant lights of the city. You could even incorporate the Darlings strolling through the park with a baby carriage or the Aunt with the two Siamese kitties hanging out of her bag.Tony's dinner scene has been overdone so that would not be a good one for your painting. However, the park scene is extremely romantic. The twinkling lights in the city and the stars in the sky would add just the right touch.We have four children who range from 13 to 23 and they are actually fighting over who is going to get which painting when we die, which hopefully won't be for a long long time."

WINNIE THE POOH

"The 100 Acre group with Winnie the Pooh and his gang. I absolutely love these characters and I am about to turn 62 (Aug 2009). My house has a Kinkade bedroom and a Lighthouse bedroom and a Pooh craft/computer room. Thanks, Thom!"

FANTASIA

"Something from Fantasia. I will never forget seeing that as a child. I hope one day to be able to watch it with my grandsons. The movie is not available at this time."

My Newest Disney Image is Almost Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:07:00 +0000

I'm just putting on the finishing touches up on my newest image, I can't wait to share it with the world! The folks at Disney want me to keep a lid on the subject right now, but perhaps I can share just a tidbit of what I'm painting... check back in a day or two and I’ll have a little something to share! I got to play by the rules sometimes you know.

Thanks so much for all of you that sent in your suggestions, your input really is an inspiration.

Oh... and don't forget to have your friends sign up to win the Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland drawing. Signup ends August 31st, so enter today.

DeviantArt Web site

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I recently discovered a Web site called www.deviantart.com. It’s touted as the largest online art community in the world, tracking the works of new emerging and established artists. I found a large number of my images, which have been either changed, enhanced or re-interpreting. Their mission statement says, “Our community provides a unique collective effort that seeks to create and sustain collaborative relationships with artists.”

I appreciate and embrace the fact that novice and seasoned artists alike use my images as inspirations for creating new pieces of art on this online medium. My art is giving these Deviant Artists a way for them to explore romantic realism and the encourage Luminists of both old and new.

Here are three images of mine re-interpreted from artist featured on http://www.deviantart.com/:

Thomas Kinkade's I

“This is an oil on canvas. An imitation of Thomas Kinkade’s Petals of Hope.”
-CosmicWinds

Kinkade Study

“I had an assignment for my Contemporary Art class, and it was to (for me) make a painting similar to the style of Thomas Kinkade. Did I pull it off? Probably not. The amount of detail he puts into his paintings is ridiculous! So I went for his "highlighting" deal and tried to mimic that as best I could. This was pretty fun to do overall. Not often do I paint environments with colors.” -Geeshin

Thomas Kinkade's The Garden of Promise: A Reproduction
"Our professor in landscape asked us to reproduce a landscape picture or a painting so I chose this because of the painting's magnificent lightings."
-EiYa

Dumbo Image Might Take Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:42:00 +0000

We’ve received a significant response to our Disney Contest. Many hundreds of Disney fans have submitted their choices of a Walt Disney moment, movie or character that I can paint as my next Disney painting. The prize is a 12” x 18” limited edition canvas of my newest Disney Dreams image, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, valued at $750.

Many entries have been based on the film Dumbo. Here are several comments from fans who want Dumbo to be my next painting.

"I would like Thom to paint the character Dumbo with his mother holding him in her trunk with a montage of the major scenes in the back ground --since that is the way Thom has been painting the series so far, excluding Snow White. But I would rather have a circus scene in the background and the mother and Dumbo front and center though--it is such a sweet scene all by itself :) Thanks, Mona."

"Dumbo, I love that little elephant."

"I would like to see Dumbo...such a warm and charming little elephant...just like Mr. Kinkades images..."

"A great painting showing Dumbo’s first flight would make for an amazing image."

"Dumbo and the great circus atmosphere on the movie will be fantastic Thom! "

Bambi is Deer to My Heart!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:23:00 +0000

We’ve received a phenomenal response to our Disney Contest. Hundreds of Disney fans throughout the world have submitted their choices of a Walt Disney moment, movie or character that I can paint as my next Disney painting. The prize is a 12” x 18” limited edition canvas of my newest Disney Dreams image, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, valued at $750. To enter this contest, visit my Web site.

Many entries have been based on the movie Bambi. Here are several comments from fans who want Bambi to be my next painting.

“I would like Thom to paint a "Bambi" scene with Thumper, the skunk and the butterfly.

“Bambi is my pick, because Thomas does such beautiful woods scenes I just know he would do an awesome job.”

“It would be wonderful to see a colorful forest with Disney forest creatures, such as Bambi, Thumper, Brother Bear, no people, just the forest creatures hiding, being curious with flowers, each other, etc. Could make a beautiful and colorful piece and one I would truly love to own. Thank you.”

“Bambi skating on the ice with his friends. Or Bambi with his mother.”

“Bambi standing next to his dad in the forest.”

Cinderella!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:05:00 +0000

We’ve received an enormous response to our Disney Contest. Hundreds of Disney fans throughout the world have submitted their choices of a Walt Disney moment, movie or character that I can paint as my next Disney painting. The prize is a 12” x 18” limited edition canvas of my newest Disney Dreams image, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, valued at $750. To enter this contest, visit my Web site.

Many entries have been based on the movie Cinderella. Here are several comments from fans who want Cinderella to be my next painting.

"For your next painting, have Cinderella out of her coach going up Tyne stairs. Include the mice, fairy godmother in the sky and the castle with your beautiful windows.I bought the 24x 36 canvas snow white. I like your new Disney edition, but it wasn't on my snow white. Thanks for a great job."

"Cinderalla goes to the ball. Main focus should be Cinderella dressed in her ballgown and the prince dancing. Painting should include evil stepmother and stepsisters, the pumpkin, mice, horse & carriage, clock strike 12, the dog."

"Cinderella dressed in her gown and glass slippers standing by her pumpkin carriage with her mice and other animal friends and fairy godmother."

"Cinderella, the prince, the wicked step mother, step sisters, king and all the animals!"

"Cinderella's magical transformation into her ball gown. The magic in the air, the beautiful scenery with the fairy godmother and her wand. Thank you in advance for considering this."

"Cinderella -- it's a classic that Thom really must capture in his next work of art."

Sleeping Beauty. Will It Be My Next Disney Dreams Painting?

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:40:00 +0000

We’ve received a huge response to our Disney Contest. Hundreds of Disney fans have submitted their choices of a Walt Disney moment, movie or character that I can paint as my next Disney painting.

The prize is a 12” x 18” limited edition canvas of my newest Disney Dreams image, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, valued at $750.

Many entries have been based on the character of Sleeping Beauty. Here are several comments from fans who want Sleeping Beauty to be my next painting.

"I’m Sleeping Beauty. There is so much color and adventure to the story; it would make a great piece. Very traditional values in the story also, waiting for your 'one true love' which is a value kids and adults alike should be surrounded with. I would love to see how you capture it on canvas."

"In Sleeping Beauty, that wonderful scene with the fairies where they are changing Aurora's dress from Pink to Blue. The light -- the gloam -- in that -- with all that magical fairy dust -- in the forest -- ooh! that would be fantastic!"

"Sleeping Beauty, the cottage in the woods and the three fairies with the cake and the making of the dress, the spinning wheels and the castles, the colors are so vibrant in that movie it would be great to see in one of your paintings..."

"The 3 fairies in Sleeping Beauty making Sleeping Beauty's dress, scene of all the activities (sewing, magic, fabric, threads, sleeping beauty in the background, baking birthday cake, dishes, baking ingredients etc. "

More Q&A with Cross Stitch Collection Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Here are the final two questions from my recent interview with Cross Stitch Collection magazine. I hope you've enjoyed seeing them as much as I did answering them.

What or who can you not live without when it comes to painting?

A sense of humor. After all, everyone has an opinion when it comes to a painting, and when someone says something critical, the best thing to do is chuckle and remind yourself that painting pictures is the most enjoyable way to make a living.

When did you last stop and think “Wow, that’s amazing!” and what was it that made you do so?

The Statue of David in Florence. (pictured) The ability of the human hand and eye to craft works of great wonder never ceases to amaze me. A great work of art needs no translation; it is a language unto itself.

More Q&A from My Cross Stitch Collection Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Here are a couple more of the very interesting and compelling questions I was asked recently by Cross Stitch Collection, the leading needlecraft publication in the UK. Whenever I'm interviewed, I can normally anticipate the questions I'll be asked, but these were very interesting and fun to answer.

On a Desert Island, you’re allowed six items to help you keep painting to keep you busy/sane, what are they?
Naturally my wife Nanette would the first item on the list, if people can be included. She has always been my primary source of inspiration and strength. She has also been my model many times – especially when I was too poor to hire one. The next thing I would need would be a good umbrella, because there is nothing worse than painting with the sun shining directly in your eyes. A box of paints is mandatory, and hopefully that would only count as a single item. A sketchbook provides a good notation tool to get ideas down quickly, and a bible can keep you spiritually inspired. For canvas I could always use the sand on the beach, which would keep changing daily to allow for a new subject. I suppose the final item needed to guarantee happiness would be a large bottle of Tabasco sauce. To me, raw oysters are intolerable without a dash of spice.

In your opinion who’s the most important person in the art world and why?
I always believe that the average working person is far more important than the most educated self-proclaimed art critic. I have had the good fortune to sell paintings to millions of people who had never bought a piece of art before, and I am proud that my paintings spark their emotions this strongly. Not only is this flattering, it reminds me that the real goal of art is to provide inspiration and pleasure to real people, not just an educated elite.

My Newest Video: Savannah Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:00 +0000

I've always believed that Savannah, Georgia is a city for romantics. And the crown jewel of this gracious southern city epitomizes all that is the Old South. Forsyth Park remains one of the most visually abundant locales in all of Savannah. In my painting, Savannah Romance, I've paid homage to the majestic Forsyth Fountain. Ive also included an abundance of color dogwood and mimosa trees vie for attention with resplendent southern magnolias and lush azaleas.
Whether you've been to Savannah, or simply long to visit, may Savannah Romance truly bring out the dreamers heart in all of us.