As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first exhibition of Impressionism, let's delve into Thomas Kinkade's deep admiration for the French Impressionists — Monet, Manet, and Renoir. Their style was a profound inspiration for him, leading to the creation of 71 paintings in that style from 1984 to 1990, all under the brush name Robert Girrard. This anonymity allowed him to push the boundaries of style and subject matter, to experiment with palette, brush strokes, and broken color, all of which have left an indelible mark on his world-renowned style.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: In 2007, while on a bike trip through the south of France with his wife, Nanette, Thomas Kinkade kept a sketchbook in which he painted watercolors of the places they visited. Here, he captured a lively street scene of the coastal city of Arles, famed for inspiring many of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings.

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the passing of the renowned artist Thomas Kinkade. His exceptional artistic talents and fearless spirit as an adventurer are etched in our memories. Regardless of the challenges, he approached every journey and project with unwavering determination. This captivating photograph was taken during a trip to Cotswolds, England, which Kinkade took with his wife and children. It is a testament to his commitment to his unyielding enthusiasm for new experiences and his steadfast devotion to incorporating his family into his artistic pursuits.