Thomas Kinkade's Blog

In Front of The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:53:00 +0000

This was a very private and special moment for me earlier this week as I stood in front of The Cross, the mural I created specifically for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. . The mural dominates the wall immediately following the finale theater, drawing visitors' attention to a hilltop cross, the focal point of an expansive landscape.

The people in attendance were very kind and told me continually that they were overwhelmed by this enormous mural when they saw it for the first time. I feel exactly the same way. The Cross is amazing and I am tremendously privileged to be a part of this incredible undertaking. Many of my images have been displayed in wonderful ways in the past, but this is the pinnacle in size, magnitude and for the feeling it creates.

(Photo credit: Billy Graham Evangelical Association)

Yesterday was a Big Day

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Yesterday was a big day to say the least. Seeing my mural The Cross at the reopening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte was both exciting and an extreme honor. Seeing it displayed so dramatically was more than I could have even imagined.

I was able to sit down and spend some time with Franklin (at left) and Billy Graham

Franklin Graham introduced me at the unveiling ceremonyMore than 300 people attending the unveiling of The Cross.

The Cross Meets the World

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:51:00 +0000

The reopening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina is happening today and The Cross, my new mural will be unveiled--and what a sight it is. As you approach the mural, you’ll walk through the dramatic light of seven illuminated crosses. The Cross mural has its very own light show to magnify the overall impact of the image. It’s a breathtaking sight and I’m proud to have my painting displayed in such an astounding way.

After many renovations, the Library is ready to reopen—for the media and dignitaries today and for the general public starting tomorrow. In addition to The Cross, new video presentations about Graham's life and an exhibit featuring thousands of Graham’s favorite books will now be on display at the Library.

I’ll share more of my impressions about this amazing day during the upcoming week. And look for The Cross in galleries starting this week, available in three different sizes.

Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:17:00 +0000

My inspiration for The Cross, my 32-foot mural to be displayed at the Billy Graham Library, was inspired by Sunrise, (shown here) one of my most popular pieces ever. The Cross should follow the same path, because I feel as though it's one of my most inspirational images. The Cross was born by Sunrise, which is currently sold out in various sizes and editions.

More News About The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:54:00 +0000

Many people are asking for more news about The Cross. First off, yes--it will be available in our galleries later this month. We'll be releasing it in four unique sizes (12 x 24, 18 x 36, 24 x 48 and 30 x 60).

The Cross will begin shipping on April 19th and its national television unveiling will take place on April 27th on ShopNBC.

The mural and the lighting effects are being installed this week. Assembling and installing the mural's amazing 32-foot long frame will undoubtedly be quite a project. We're also going to be sending the original to the Billy Graham organization to be displayed at the Billy Graham Evangelical Association headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The original of The Cross is the largest image I've ever painted at 3 feet by 6 feet. It's a huge canvas and by far the largest I've ever painted.

More About The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:35:00 +0000

Here is another portion of The Cross, the mural I created for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's a stunning 32-foot mural. This enormous wall provided a majestic canvas for my painting and I'm so pleased with it. In just less than two weeks, The Cross will be shown to the world for the very first time, at the reopening of the Billy Graham Library, Bookstore and Billy Graham Childhood Home on April 20th.

This image is the first of the Billy Graham Signature Series. In addition, we're currently working very closely with the Billy Graham Foundation on promotion and marketing for the Library. We're thrilled to be in partnership with the Billy Graham team on such a significant project. Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

The Billy Graham Library

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:31:00 +0000

On April 20th, I’ll be attending the re-opening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte North Carolina to unveil my original 32-foot mural of The Cross. If you’re not already familiar with this world-renowned Billy Graham Library, here’s some information about it, courtesy of www.billygraham.org.

The Billy Graham Library invites visitors to encounter highlights of Billy Graham’s extraordinary life, a journey from the pastures and dirt roads of North Carolina to platforms and arenas in the world’s greatest cities.

The centerpiece of the Library is A Journey of Faith, a presentation that features multimedia displays and re-creations of historic moments in Billy Graham's life and ministry. Spanning the decades from the 1940s to the present, the exhibits show how God prepared and used this humble man to take the message of His unchanging love to an ever-changing world.

A visit to the Billy Graham Library includes countless experiences:
• Witness the power of a life changed through obedience to God.
• Enjoy the dairy farm setting reminiscent of Billy Graham's childhood.
• Watch amazing films, and see more than 350 photographs.
• Experience the broadcasting media used throughout six decades of ministry.
• Submerse yourself in a room a special room dedicated to Ruth Bell Graham.
• Gain historical perspective through Mr. Graham's worldwide impact.
• Learn about Mr. Graham's relationships with political and spiritual leaders.
• Tour the restored Graham Family Homeplace.
• Spend time in prayer and reflection in the Prayer Garden.
• See how the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) continues this life-changing ministry today.
• And so much more!

The Library bookstore offers visitors a chance to shop for unique treasures in Ruth's Attic, named for Mr. Graham's late wife, Ruth Bell Graham, who was a poet and lover of literature.

Sit in a wooden booth or rocking chair at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, a café located inside the Library that provides a place to relax and enjoy sandwiches, salads, ice cream, cookies, beverages, and other treats.

With inspirational memories and state-of-the-art presentations, the Library offers something special for every age group. It serves as an ongoing Crusade and presents visitors with the same message that Billy Graham has delivered for more than six decades, the message of everlasting life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:22:00 +0000

Enjoy this wonderful day with your family and loved ones. I often think of Christ, but I contemplate more about Him during this special day. Here is what I wrote about this image, The Prince of Peace:

How true this was for me in 1980 when, as an art student, I came to have a personal relationship with Christ. Just a few weeks later, awash in my newfound faith, I found myself sitting in an art class, my mind wandering. As I went through the motions, my eyes on the disinterested model posing for the class, I was suddenly struck with a powerful vision.

Happy Easter!

The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:58:00 +0000

I’ve been secretly working on a project for the Billy Graham Library for the last few months. On April 20th, we’ll be attending the re-opening of this amazing library in Charlotte, North Carolina so that I can unveil this amazing 32-foot mural of the The Cross. I’m looking forward to meeting several long-term members of the Billy Graham team who are anticipated to be on hand for this big day, including Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea, Franklin Graham and Dr. Billy Graham himself.

I couldn’t be more thrilled to be painting this mural, to be placed in such a prominent position as part of the whole Billy Graham experience. I am hoping that this image will provide the 200,000+ people who visit the library annually with a memorable impression they will remember for many years to come. Stay tuned for more details about the The Cross. I’ll have portions of this large image to share and more about the inside information on the event and Library re-opening as it approaches.

Roast Rack of Lamb: An Easter Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Next Sunday on Easter, the Kinkade family will gather around a beautiful rack of lamb. It's been a tradition in our family for many decades. This recipe is Nanette's and it's featured in our cookbook, The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 Lamb rib roast (8-rib; about 2 1/2 pounds)

1/4 cup apricot preserves

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2.) Combine garlic powder, salt and pepper and rub into meat. Place the meat rib-side down in a roasting pan. Roast until meat temperature reaches 140 degrees for rare, 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done, approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

3.) Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apricot preserves and lemon juice and cook until preserves are melted. Brush lamb with apricot mixture occasionally during last 30 minutes of cooking.

4.) Remove meat from the oven and rest, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice between each rib bone and serve, allowing two ribs per serving.

Don't Forget this Easter Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:56:00 +0000

This recipe is an Easter tradition in the Kinkade family. It’s from The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories.

Big Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:
Sauce:
2 cups water
1 ¼ cups sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup half-and-half, light cream or whole milk

Filling:
2 tablespoons chopped raisins or golden raisins
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
6 small cooking apples
(approximately 1 ½ pounds)

Serves 6
1.) Make the sauce: in a medium saucepan combine the water, sugar and cinnamon. Bring a boil then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup butter, stir to combine and set aside.
2.) Make the pastry: in the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Mix in shortening until pieces are the size of small peas. Add the half-and-half, light cream, or milk and pulse for 5 seconds, until the dough is moistened. If mixture is still dry, add more liquid, 1 teaspoon at a time until dough comes together. Remove dough and form into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle and divide into 6 squares. For garnishing option, see the note below.
3.) Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
4.) Make the filling: in a small mixing bowl, combine the raisins, walnuts and honey. In another small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon. Set bowls aside. Peel and core the apples. Place one apple on top of each pastry square. Fill apples centers with raisin mixture, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and top each with a piece of remaining tablespoon butter. Moisten edges of a pastry square with water, fold corners over apple and pinch to seal. Repeat with remaining apples.
5.) Place dumplings in a large baking dish and pour sauce over apples. Bake for 35 minutes or until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown. To serve, plate each apple with some of the sauce from the pan.

Note: If desired, roll pastry slightly larger, cut squares and use excess to make pastry leaves for garnish. Roll out extra pastry and cut into leaf shapes. Place on baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Crepes for Easter? Oh Yes!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:28:00 +0000

As Easter approaches, I start thinking of our favorite foods during this wonderful time of the year. This recipe is from our book, The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories. Crepes are among our favorite special occasion foods. They just seem to make any meal festive, and they’re perfect for holidays like Easter.

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pan
Optional filling ingredients:
Applesauce, sweetened strawberries, currant jelly and raspberry jam
Powdered sugar

Makes 12

1.) In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs and butter; add dry ingredients and beat until smooth.

2.) Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add ½ teaspoon butter. Pour scant ¼ cup of the batter into skillet and immediately rotate skillet until a thin film covers bottom of pan.

3.) Cook until batter dries, about 45 seconds, flip and cook until edges start to brown slightly. Repeat process, adding butter to the skillet and adjusting heat as necessary. Stack crepes on a plate, placing wax or parchment paper between each layer and cover to keep warm.

4.) To serve, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of desired filling in the center of each crepe and roll, taking care to position edge side down. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Follow Tinker Bell

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:34:00 +0000

How many times has Tinker Bell appeared in my 8 Disney images? Find the correct number and you could win a $750 Limited Edition Canvas of Bambi's First Year. Click here to enter today and happy searching.

Bambi is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Final Hint

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Here is the final sneak of my new Disney Dreams image. We've received so many guesses and all of them are great. Stay tuned to ShopNBC tonight to find out the answer. Check the schedule for the big unveiling tonight.

My Next Hint

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:02:00 +0000

Here's another portion of my newest Disney Dreams image. So many great guesses with just 1 1/2 days left until the big unveiling. Hopefully this will bring you closer to figuring it out!

Another Hint

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:22:00 +0000

Here is a section of my newest painting, #5 in my Disney Dreams Collection. In several days, we'll unveil the entire image to the world. We've had a wide range of different guesses and thanks for participating. I hope you like it, because this painting is truly dear to my heart.

Hint #2

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Here is another hint about my newest Disney Dreams image. Keep guessing. All of your responses have been great to read.

This is from a portion of my artist's notes about the painting to be unveiled next week:

"As is the case with all my Disney Dreams Collection, my intention is to create a panoramic image that suggests element of the the story and expand the world in which the characters live to new epic proportions. I am very satisfied that the mood and drama of this painting will be the best one in the collection so far."

Number Five is in the Works

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Right now, I'm working on my newest Disney Dreams image (#5). Can you guess what I'm painting? Stay tuned, because you'll find a series of hints only here on my blog starting on Thursday.

President's Day & America's Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:15:00 +0000

As we celebrate President's Day today throughout this country, I can't help but think back about America's Pride, the first piece in my 'Flags Over America' collection, featuring the same dramatic sky and waving flag seen in my previous painting as I paid tribute to the most patriotic of all American cities - our nation's capitol.

Spending many days in Washington D.C. painting this image was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Let's take this special day to reflect upon this country and all of the marvelous things its given us for so many years. My pride in America is unlimited and never wavering.

Enjoy this holiday with your family and friends--it's possible because so many Americans have worked so tirelessly to keep this country free for all of us.

Sweetheart Cottage: My Valentine's Day Image

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +0000

I will never forget the feelings I experienced when I painted Sweetheart Cottage, my first image that led to the Sweetheart Cottage Collection. Here is what I wrote back then and I believe in these words even more strongly today.

Perhaps my sentimental Irish nature is shining through, but I happen to be enchanted with the idea of a romantic hideaway hidden amidst blossoming flowers. Sweetheart Cottage is a dual tribute to my tenth wedding anniversary and to the most romantic occasion of the year: Valentine's Day.

Have a great Valentine's Day and cherish your spouse, because he or she is the real miracle in your life.

Cornish Hens Will Make a Great Entrance on Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:37:00 +0000

This recipe from The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories, features this great recipe for Cornish Hens with Wild Rice. It will be an ideal entree for your Valentine's Day dinner.

Serves 4 (or cut the recipe in half for two people)

Ingredients:

1 package (6 ounce) wild rice

1 1/4 cups water

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, divided

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 package (10 ounce) frozen green peas, thawed

2 cornish hens, halved

1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

Black pepper

Salt

1.) Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2.) Place rice and water into a pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12 months, or until water is absorbed. Fluff rice and spread evenly in a baking dish.

3.) In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and cook until translucent but not brown. Sprinkle flour and stir. Add broth; bring to a boil and then stir in peas. Remove from heat and pour over rice.

4.) Rub the hens with remaining 2 tablespoons butter, mustard, salt and pepper. Arrange on rice mixture, skin side up and cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, until rice is done and hens are tender.

A Great Valentine Day's Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day this Sunday, are you ready? Here's a great Valentine Day's recipe for French Chocolate Custard from The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories.

This is a romantic, luxurious dessert that will please your loved one and make your day truly memorable.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 package (6 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips

3 eggs

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons brandy, orange-flavored liqueur or creme de menthe (optional)

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2.) In a medium pot over low heat, mix together half-and-half and chocolate chips, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.

3.) In a bowl, beat together eggs, 1/3 cup sugar and gradually stir into cooled chocolate mixture, stirring constantly. Pour into 6 custard cups or 6 ovenproof pot de creme cups.

4.) Place cups into a baking pan on oven rack. Create a water bath by pouring boiling water into the pan to within 1/2 inch of the top of cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove cups from water and cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

5.) In a bowl, beat together whipping cream and 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff; fold in brandy. To serve, top each custard with whipped cream.

Nature's Paradise is My Newest Release

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:19:00 +0000

I unveiled Nature's Paradise on ShopNBC on Thursday and I'm so pleased to be getting so many positive reviews.

This is what I wrote about Nature's Paradise:

Great thinkers of the past have described God's creation as an earthly paradise - and nature herself as a reflection of God's grace and love. I suppose such romantic notions have always inspired me, and certainly have been a foundational part of my beliefs as an artist. In my newest work, I attempt to conceive of nature as existing in complete harmony in all its elements. We see rolling mountains that gather rain to fill streams that cascade into valleys forming lakes and ponds. We see clouds gathering overhead and a rainbow forming in the sky suggesting the passing moisture of distant rainfall. The skies are filled with migrating birds and wildlife is abundant. Everywhere we look, life is brimming forth with greater blessings.

In the midst of this perfect setting, I conceived of a perfect retreat: a woodsman's cabin, with lights glowing to welcome us home after a day spent fishing on the lake or exploring the woods' trails.

This is the third painting in the series that began with Mountain Retreat, and as the last piece in the series I wanted to pull out all the stops and let the detail be even more abundant than ever. As you explore this painting, may you discover that Nature's Paradise is waiting to welcome you in.

A Thankful Day

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:13:00 +0000

It’s my birthday today and I’d like to take this opportunity to convey my thankfulness and good wishes to all of the amazing people in my life—including family, friends, collectors, employees and our Gallery owners all across the country!

Birthdays mark the pass of time, but they also represent so much more. For over a half century, I’ve strived to compose a life of love, light and creativity. Balancing a life is not all that different from balancing the compositional elements in a painting. The very choices that contribute to creating a picture of harmony on a canvas can help me move closer to harmony in my daily life. I’m still learning and growing in so many ways, and I know that this will never change. Life is a series of transformations and I can’t wait for the next chapter in my life.

Thanks so much and God bless you all.