"Thomas Kinkade is America's most collected living artist. Coming from a modest background, Kinkade emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his paintings. As a devout Christian, Kinkade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values."

and this one is from artagogo.com

"...So why is Kinkade's art so popular? Perhaps it is because he offers a slice of a peaceful life that so many people crave and are unable to create for themselves. In addition, he has made his art very accessible to his audience. There are many sites available on the Internet to obtain his work and he has established many galleries, not in the typical downtown locations next to well-established galleries, but within the more casual shopping malls of suburbia...

...Is Thomas Kinkade's work real ART? Or, is it merely a vehicle to produce high production, sentimental art that is as real as the art found on a greeting card? I don't know. Viewing and experiencing art is a very individual and private experience. Go look at Kinkade's art at your local Kinkade retail outlet and judge for yourself..."

so was wondering, what's your take on that?

ilia