His work can be found in an estimated 10 million homes, but it was reviled by the art establishment.
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2006 file photo, artist Thomas Kinkade unveils his painting, "Prayer For Peace," at the opening of the exhibit "From Abraham to Jesus," in Atlanta. A family spokesman says Kinkade died, Friday, April 6, 2012. He was 54. (AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File)SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A family spokesman says California artist Thomas Kinkade, known for scenes of cottages, country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, has died. He was 54.
David Satterfield says Kinkade died Friday at his home in Los Gatos of what appeared to be natural causes.
Kinkade's sentimental paintings were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment.
His paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.