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.

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.

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.

I don't konw when I've read a worse book. I was expecting something on the order of Jan Karon. Clearly that's what Mr. Kinkade and his writer were trying to emulate, but missed the target by a mile. So sweet it gave me cavities. Without a doubt the painter of light has crossed the line into "over saturation." I swear if I see another Kinkade painting, plate, birdhouse, afghan or god knows what else, I'm going to hurl. This book is really not worth the money.

In a morally just world, a painter with the talents of Thomas Kinkade would be limited to painting his dopey scenes on the sides of rustic handsaws and flowerpots. But clearly the self-proclaimed "painter of light" has managed to dupe a lot of lowbrow midwesterners into believing that his paintings represent an interesting vision of the world. (Do these same people stock up on Precious Moments figurines as well?) Whatever the case, you can skip this novel. Compared to Kinkade, bad Disney movies seem to created a varied and complex view of character.

Most likely you're just scrolling down the Kinkade page for laughs. So I won't going on about this novels lack of merrit. As with other such obviously dumb books, the "reader response" section will soon be come an insult fest. If that's what you're here for, fire away. But make it good.

A horrible painter, an even worse writer. I can't believe this man exists, let alone gets published. In response to the reader in Florida who cannot spell "merit", let me just say that the midwest does not have the corner in bad taste. This coming from someone from the "sophisticated enclaves" of the Everglades - where trailers are king - who actually had to read a sentence of this book in order to write a review.

I was expecting to view the Bible on line at least one chapter. So this is not a fair review because I have not seen the Bible yet. However, I do know Kincade's work and absolutely loves it and enjoy it very much. I try real hard to purchase what ever I see his handwork on. So next time allow at least one chapter to be displayed or allowed to come up for view. Thank you for allowing me to get this far.

I wouldn't buy a book from this phony on a dare.

The pictures aren't as detailed as I wanted them to be. I wish there were descriptions of the pictures alongside the romanticised quotations. The artwork is gorgeous, but I want MORE!

"God gave me a tail to wag,
And I say, 'Woof!'
"Who knows my name?
"I do! Do you?
"dog"

Each of the six animals this book features is presented with words as above and a Thomas Kinkade painting in which the animal is featured. The last two-page spread has a scene with all six animals in it and the following words:

"Of course, God made lots more than just us few.
"What's your name?
"Did God make you?"

If you are seeking a religious book introducing animals, this book is lovely.

"For Christmas and bows,
"Winter coats and a sled,
"To say, 'I love you,'
"God made red."

Each of the seven colors in this book (white, pink, yellow, blue, green, orange, red, in that order), a Thomas Kinkade painting with the color featured prominantly and a verse similar to the one above is presented. Each verse ends in, "God made..."

If you are looking for a book with religious overtones to introduce colors, this one is charming.

Thomas Kinkade is the name of a painter, and now an industry, that produces highly colorful, saccharin kitsch that is found decorating all sorts of objects. I first encountered Kinkade's work as elaborately framed "paintings" displayed in a gallery at the front of a local furniture emporium. I was shocked to see four-figure prices attached to pieces that were obviously some sort of reproduction. These prices led me to suspect a scam was under way, especially when I noticed blobs of white pigment standing in bas relief from the surface, obvously meant to give the illusion of a hand-painted work. When I asked a hovering saleslady whether she was aware the pieces were reproductions, she readily admitted they were. And recently, an ad in the local paper invited all and sundry to come watch an expert from the Kinkade factory apply these white "highlights" to the lithographs, which are apparently shipped without them. I would suggest that the lithos be sold with a tube of paint so the buyer can apply his own "highlights" and thus create a real original. For the prices asked, you should get at least enough paint to do your living room, too.