The Artist in Nature: Thomas Kinkade and the Plein Air Tradition (Hardcover)

~ (Author), (Author) "It's hard to imagine the greatest scholars of the day arguing over the moral and intellectual merits of painting outdoors, but that's just what happened..." (more)
Key Phrases: plein air painting, air painter, air paintings, Thomas Kinkade, Point Lobos, Art Resource (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Thomas Kinkade is the most popular and widely collected artist of our time. Beloved for his light-filled quaint country cottages, majestic mountain vistas, and nostalgic depictions of the American small town, Kinkade is also a master of plein air painting-painting outdoors in natural light. Rooted in traditional, 19th-century American and European landscape painting, plein air is dependent upon the whims of the natural world. Brushstrokes are more visible and possess the fluid, painterly quality that is a hallmark of the plein air style-a quality often associated with French Impressionism. The Artist in Nature: Thomas Kinkade and the Plein Air Tradition is the first book to showcase this celebrated artist's spectacular plein air works. First, readers will discover the fascinating history of the plein air tradition, followed by an insightful biographical essay that explores Kinkade's personal, artistic, and spiritual developments as they relate to his approach to painting in nature. Next, an entire section focuses on the challenges involved when painting seascapes, mountains, deserts, buildings, and foreign locations-along with his step-by-step demonstrations for painting a Cotswold cottage scene and an exotic location in Greece. Finally, art lovers will be treated to a full- color gallery of Kinkade's finest plein air paintings, all accompanied by personal insights from the artist.

About the Author

Thomas Kinkade, the celebrated "Painter of Light," is the most beloved and widely collected artists of our time. His newly instituted Thomas Kinkade Foundation is actively involved in encouraging students in the arts. In 2000, Kinkade was chosen as the official artist for the lighting of the national Christmas tree at the White House. He lives in northern California. M. Stephen Doherty is editor-in-chief of American Artist. He serves on the advisory boards of several arts organizations and is a frequent judge at national art competitions. He lives in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1st printing; Special Edition, limited to 5, 000 copies edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823003450
• ISBN-13: 978-0823003457
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #911,978 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book features the best work of Thomas Kinkade., December 13, 2002

By A Customer

Many are familiar with Kinkade's studio work but his best work is featured in this book. Lovers of the impressionist style who have never been attracted to the babbling brooks and idealic cottage scenes that epitomize Kinkade will see their concept of his work change. It is said that the mark of a great artist is the mastery of more than one style. Kinkade reveals himself as a great artist through this book.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Endorsed as a thoughtful commentary, January 11, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Compiled by M. Stephen Doherty, and enhanced with both an introduction and commentary by Thomas Kinkade, The Artist In Nature: Thomas Kinkade And The Plein Air Tradition is a full-color visual showcasing of Kinkade's artwork in the "plein air painting" style, as well as his truly exceptional talents for capturing the spirit of country living. An ideal addition to any personal, professional, art school, community library Art History reference collection, The Artist In Nature is endorsed as a thoughtful commentary wherein brief captions enhance the highly enjoyable artwork in an outstandingly presented and impressive collection.

9 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars richest and the worst artist of all time, February 15, 2003

By A Customer

there's no art in thomas kinkade's work. he uses the most saturated palette that would just burn the artistic sensitive eyes with the phonny promise of an utopia. like junk food for the stomach, his "art" is the junk food for the soul. god forbidden anyone pursuing a career in art lay eyes on his work.