Illustration: Inspiration to Live as Light

Thomas Kinkaide recently died at the age of 54. It has been estimated his paintings hang in one out of 10 homes in America. Kinkaide said his philosophy of art changed when he became a Christian. He began to paint pictures that had Christian values and traditional small town themes. They often were depictions of enhanced nature images and images of simpler times. Traditional artists often criticized and dismissed the paintings and their mass-market appeal. Kinkaide has been called, "the painter of light." Kinkaide said, "I view art as an inspirational tool."

Recent news reports indicated Kinkaide's personal and professional life did not always live up to his highest ideals. His philosophy, however, is still one to be reckoned with. Kinkaide said, "People who put my paintings on their walls are putting their values on their walls: faith, family, home, a simpler way of living, the beauty of nature, quiet tranquility, peace, joy and hope." Let us go one step further. Let's not just put our values on the walls, but live them out in our daily lives.