Sunday, June 24, 2007 Gueco: Happiness Is By Malu t. Gueco Aslagan
WHAT is happiness?
Is it painting? Is it in loving? Is it working with passion?
Whatever your answer to this question, what matters most is that you are able to walk on its pathway and stride across its byway in your everyday life. During days when I feel lonely and tend to dive into the dark pits of self-pity, I turn to my family, friends and familiar painters to inspire joie de vivre (joy of living).
Today, I wish to introduce you this famous man who is known as the painter of light. His amazing blue pastels, red swirling oils and comforting lilac tints are a massage to the heart of an artist searcher like me.
Come! Together let us open the gateway of the world of research to shed light on the biography of this well-loved artist.
Thomas Kinkade grew up in Northern California in the small town of Placerville. Though the family did not have wealth, Kinkade often says they were "rich in the greatest form of wealth; a nurturing and affirming love."
His first "collector" was his mother, who would frame his childhood drawings and use them to decorate the family home.
Kinkade is America's most collected living artist, a painter-communicator whose tranquil, light-infused paintings bring hope and joy to millions each year. Each painting that Thomas Kinkade creates is a quiet messenger in the home, affirming the basic values of family, faith in God, and the luminous beauty of nature.
Thomas Kinkade is a devout Christian and credits the Lord for both the ability and the inspiration to create his paintings. His goal as an artist is to touch people of all faiths, to bring peace and joy into their lives through the images he creates. The letters he receives every day testify to the fact that he is achieving this goal.
A devoted husband and doting father to their four little girls, Thomas Kinkade hides the letter "N" in his paintings to pay tribute to his wife, Nanette. The girls also find their names in many of his paintings.
He is renowned for infusing light into his paintings, creating romantic and tranquil scenes. Known as "the Painter of Light," Kinkade has an almost uncanny ability to recreate dramatic effects of pictorial lighting in a way that makes the image seem to glow from within. This famous "Kinkade glow" might help explain Kinkade's popularity as a published artist. The creations of Thomas Kinkade have become a phenomenon unprecedented in recent times, with countless millions of "Kinkade Collectors" worldwide.
Being an ardent fan and devoted collector of Kinkades books of paintings, devotionals and daily planner, I simply bask in the joy of the bright orange, hazy blue mist and uplifting lavender-filled works of this painter. Just yesterday I visited the book store in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, I thought I would collapse when I saw his latest book entitled Making Everyday a Work of Masterpiece.
My heart throbbed in longing, my eyes widened in amazement and my throat croaked in desire as I wanted to buy this book. Like a kid looking at her favorite toys, I knew I will get my hands on this book. Universe, oh, Universe, you know this yearning, spread your magic spell so I can purchase this memento.
Now, turning my attention to our closing lines, may I reach out to all of you, dear readers with this great wish whether you are an artist, lover of persons and colors. YOU AND I are one. Let us join in recording our words of harmony, our voice of concord and our hearts of kindness, compassion and camaraderie. May your moments abound with the grand light of richness, wellness and happiness.
