Thomas Kinkade Timeline
1958
Thomas Kinkade was born
Thomas Kinkade was born on January 19, 1958 in the small town of Placerville, California.Thomas Kinkade was born
1972
Began apprenticeship with Glenn Wessels
Thom began working with Glenn Wessels, an artist and former professor in the Art Department at the University of California.Began apprenticeship with Glenn Wessels
1978
Art Center College of Design
Thom transferred to the Art Center College of DesignArt Center College of Design
1980
The Prince of Peace
Thom paints The Prince of Peace after being inspired to find Christ and become a true Christian.The Prince of Peace
1982
Marriage to Nanette
Thom married childhood sweetheart, Nanette.Marriage to Nanette
1982
The Artist's Guide to Sketching
Co-authored “The Artist’s Guide to Sketching” with James GurneyThe Artist's Guide to Sketching
1984
Dawson
Published first print - DawsonDawson
1985
Robert Girrard
Painted under the brush name of Robert Girrard, allowing him to experiment in style and subject matter using the techniques of French ImpressionistsRobert Girrard
1988
Birth of Daughter, Merritt Kinkade
Daughter, Merritt Kinkade is born, and Thom paints Evening at Merritt’s Cottage as a tribute to his first born.Birth of Daughter, Merritt Kinkade
1989
Yosemite Valley, Late Afternoon Light at Artist's Point
Yosemite Valley, Late Afternoon Light at Artist’s Point is named the official print of the National Parks System. Thomas Kinkade is the only American artist to win two Founder's Awards from the National Parks Academy for the Arts.Yosemite Valley, Late Afternoon Light at Artist's Point
1990
Created Lightpost Publishing
Thomas Kinkade founded Lightpost PublishingCreated Lightpost Publishing
1990
The Rotary Club Meeting
Named first Official Artist for Rotary International, and painted The Rotary Club Meeting with all proceeds going to Rotary International's various charities.The Rotary Club Meeting
1991
Birth of Daughter, Chandler Kinkade
Daughter, Chandler Kinkade is born, and Thom paints Chandler's Cottage in tribute to his second-born.Birth of Daughter, Chandler Kinkade
1992
First NALED Honor
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom for the first time as the NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year for Moonlit Sleigh Ride.First NALED Honor
1993
Glory of Evening
Thomas Kinkade wins the Collector Editions' Award for Excellence for Glory of Evening.Glory of Evening
1993
Glory of Morning
Thomas Kinkade wins the Collector Editions' Award for Excellence for Glory of Morning.Glory of Morning
1993
The End of a Perfect Day
The End of a Perfect Day is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year.The End of a Perfect Day
1994
NALED Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honors Thom for the first time as the NALED Artist of the Year.NALED Artist of the Year
1994
The End of a Perfect Day II
The End of a Perfect Day II is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year and wins the Collector Editions' Award of Excellence.The End of a Perfect Day II
1995
Birth of Daughter, Winsor Kinkade
Daughter, Winsor Kinkade is born, and in tribute, Thomas paints Winsor Manor.Birth of Daughter, Winsor Kinkade
1995
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
The National Association of Limited Edition Dealers honor Thom for the first time as NALED Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
1995
The End of a Perfect Day III
The End of a Perfect Day III is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year.The End of a Perfect Day III
1996
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
1996
Lamplight Bridge
Lamplight Bridge is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year.Lamplight Bridge
1997
Birth of Daughter, Everett Kinkade
Daughter, Everett Kinkade, is born, and Thom paints Everett's Cottage in tribute.Birth of Daughter, Everett Kinkade
1997
The Light of Peace
The Light of Peace is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year.The Light of Peace
1997
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
1997
Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander in Chief Award
Thomas Kinkade receives the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander in Chief Award.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander in Chief Award
1998
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
1998
Gardens Beyond Spring Gate
Gardens Beyond Spring Gate is named NALED Graphic Print/Lithograph of the Year.Gardens Beyond Spring Gate
1999
NALED Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Artist of the Year.NALED Artist of the Year
1999
Forest Chapel
Forest Chapel is named NALED Graphic Print/Lithograph of the Year.Forest Chapel
1999
World Vision Fundraising
Thom and his family visit Guatemala to see first-hand the needs of Guatemalan children. Thom sells an Open Edition of Bridge of Faith to raise money for World Vision, generating enough to build a library and medical center in Guatamala.World Vision Fundraising
1999
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
2000
Visit with Pope John Paul II
Thomas Kinkade visits the Vatican in Rome, and has an audience with Pope John Paul II.Visit with Pope John Paul II
2000
National Christmas Tree and Visit with Bill and Hillary Clinton
Thomas Kinkade is chosen to paint the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. for the annual Pageant of Peace, and painted The Lights of Liberty.National Christmas Tree and Visit with Bill and Hillary Clinton
2001
September 11th - The Light of Freedom
Thom pays tribute to the tragedy on September 11, 2001, creating The Light of Freedom, with proceeds benefitting the victims and their families.September 11th - The Light of Freedom
2001
September 11th - The Season of Giving
Thom paints The Season of Giving for the Salvation Army. The proceeds of this painting along with The Light of Freedom raised over $2M for the Salvation Army's Ground Zero relief fund for the victims of the September 11th tragedy and their families.September 11th - The Season of Giving
2001
The Light of Freedom
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year and The Light of Freedom is named NALED Graphic/Lithograph of the Year.The Light of Freedom
2002
Official Artist of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics
Thom is selected to commemorate the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and paints Olympic Mountain Evening.Official Artist of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics
2002
Official Artist of the World Series
Thom is chosen to commemorate the 2002 World Series, and paints World Series, San Francisco and World Series, Anaheim.Official Artist of the World Series
2002
Habitat for Humanity Fundraising
All proceeds from Thom's limited edition lithograph Hometown Pride are given to Habitat for Humanity to support its home building efforts.Habitat for Humanity Fundraising
2002
World Children's Center Humanitarian Award
Thomas Kinkade receives the World Children's Center Humanitarian Award for his contributions to improving the welfare of children and their families.
2002
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
2002
Hometown Pride
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year and Hometown Pride is named NALED Graphic Print/Lithograph of the Year.Hometown Pride
2002
California Tourism Hall of Fame
Thomas Kinkade is inducted into the California Tourism Hall of Fame at the California Conference on Tourism.California Tourism Hall of Fame
2003
National Spokesman for Make-A-Wish Foundation
Thomas Kinkade is chosen to be the National Spokesman for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2003
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
2004
NALED Graphic Artist of the Year
NALED honors Thomas Kinkade as Graphic Artist of the Year.
2004
Make-A-Wish-Foundation Fundraising
Thom raises over $750,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and grants 12 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.Make-A-Wish-Foundation Fundraising
2004
Symbols of Freedom
Thomas Kinkade is chosen to paint the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. for the annual Pageant of Peace, and painted Symbols of Freedom.Symbols of Freedom
2005
Points of Light Foundation
Thom is named Ambassador of Light for the Points of Light Foundation established by President George H.W. Bush. Thom raises $1M for the foundation, $600,000 of which is given to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.Points of Light Foundation
2005
Disneyland, 50th Anniversary
Thomas Kinkade is chosen to celebrate Disneyland's 50th Anniversary, creating a painting of the same name.Disneyland, 50th Anniversary
2006
Visit to Jerusalem
Thom visits Jerusalem and is inspired to paint the Impressions of Israel Collection.Visit to Jerusalem
2007
Graceland, 50th Anniversary
Thomas Kinkade develops a partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises, painting Graceland, 50th Anniversary to celebrate Elvis Presley's iconic home.Graceland, 50th Anniversary
2007
Elegant Evening at Biltmore
Elegant Evening at Biltmore was painted in collaboration with The Biltmore Estate, after a Thomas Kinkade collector nominated this historical estate to be the subject of Thom's painting.Elegant Evening at Biltmore
2007
Yankee Stadium
Thom is chosen by Major League Baseball to be the artist for the farewell portrait of Yankee Stadium, and he paints Yankee Stadium.Yankee Stadium
2007
Fenway Park and Yawkee Way
To commemorate the historic 2007 World Series, Thom paints Fenway Park and Yawkey Way.Fenway Park and Yawkee Way
2007
Release of Christmas Cottage Movie and Artwork
An inspirational movie, Christmas Cottage, depicting the early life of Thomas Kinkade is released, along with a painting of the same name.Release of Christmas Cottage Movie and Artwork
2008
NASCAR Thunder
Thom commemorates the 50th Daytona 500 with the painting, NASCAR THUNDER, The 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500.NASCAR Thunder
2008
Partnership with the Walt Disney Company
Thomas Kinkade partners with the Walt Disney Company to begin painting the Disney Dreams Collection.Partnership with the Walt Disney Company
2009
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 100th Anniversary Study and Indy Excitement: 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Thom commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 100th Anniversary Study and Indy Excitement: 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 100th Anniversary Study and Indy Excitement: 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2010
San Francisco Giants, It's Our Time
Thom paints AT&T Park in San Francisco Giants, It's Our Time to commemorate the San Francisco Giant's 1st World Series Win.San Francisco Giants, It's Our Time
2011
Gone With The Wind
Thom commemorates the American classic film favorite, Gone With The Wind with his painting of the same name.Gone With The Wind
2011
A Century of Racing
Thom celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 with A Century of Racing! The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.A Century of Racing
2012
In Memoriam
Celebrated American Artist Thomas Kinkade passes away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue on for generations.In Memoriam
