Popular artist Thomas Kinkade postpones a Conejo Valley visit

Acorn Staff Writer


'Summer Gate,'a work by Thomas Kinkade

‘Summer Gate,’a work by Thomas Kinkade

Famous artist Thomas Kinkade has postponed his visit to Thousand Oaks this month. The new date of arrival will be sometime this summer.


Kinkade is the most collected living artist in the world today. Three hundred galleries across the United States display his work. Before Kinkade arrives this summer, a gallery on wheels that travels the country, complete with docents, mood lighting and original works is slated for some time in March at either the Northridge or Thousand Oaks gallery locations.


Kinkade’s original paintings aren’t for sale; however, his canvass transfers range from $400 to $15,000, each work coming in an average of three sizes.


Kinkade studied art at the Pasadena Art Center and began his career as a set designer on the movie, "Fire and Ice." Twenty years ago, he began the painting career he has now.


"I like to call his work comfort food for the eyes," said Shirley Cowen, an owner of the Northridge and Thousand Oaks Kinkade Galleries. Kinkade’s work is described as romantic realism.


Cowen, who has been selling Kinkade paintings for over 14 years, said many art lovers are buying a "Kinkade" to put over their mantelpieces. She was introduced to the artist when she had a country store and was approached by Kinkade’s representative to market his paintings.


Three years ago, Cowen applied to run a Kinkade gallery and was approved for the Northridge store. A year later, she got the Thousand Oaks location. She’s very excited to have the gallery on wheels visit in March.


"Last year’s visit was at the Northridge location," said Cowen, "and so I hope this year Thousand Oaks gets it." She awaits Kinkade’s personal visit this summer as if she were a child waiting for Santa Claus.


"Tom is wonderful," Cowen said.


For more information about Thomas Kinkade and his work, call the Thousand Oaks Gallery at (805) 494-1576.




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