The Cross by Thomas Kinkade

Sometimes art is born of inspiration and sometimes of destiny. In the case of my epic painting The Cross I felt both.
As part of the redesign of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, I was asked to provide an image for use on a large wall. A very large wall. In fact as I examined the project, I discovered the surface in question was nearly 40 feet wide and almost 20 feet high truly a moment of destiny for any artist.
To create the oil painting that would be the basis for the final mural, I utilized one of the largest canvases I have ever attempted in my studio. A full 6 feet wide, this canvas would be enlarged to create the final epic sized mural. I conceived the work as an extension of an earlier piece I had created entitled Sunrise. This painting would take that same vision of a rugged cross upon a mountaintop to new levels. The process was thrilling! As I worked it was as if heavenly light began to pour upon the canvas. It seemed that Gods inspiration kept renewing me to the task at hand.
A final aspect of the creative process came when Franklin Graham himself suggested a fitting title for the work: The Cross. This simple title reflects the lifelong calling and legacy of his father, the evangelist Billy Graham.
My prayer is that this painting will bring hope to many just as Billy Graham has brought hope to millions through the gospel message.

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Entertainment

Tags:

• Thomas Kinkade
• The Cross
• Art
• Artist
• Billy Graham

[MCpance]

"...Art is born of inspiration and sometimes of destiny"... and sometimes a little copy-paste is involved as well, or so I'm told. Caspar David Friedrich, of the 19th century, has a nearly identical layout. And as a bonus, his isn't an emotionally cloying, mind numbing aggrandized Lisa Frank drawing.

xTHExENEMYx-- Join me, ma? Spread the word?

[itscompIicated]

@xTHExENEMYx I don't see anything wrong with that. In my opinon, that doesn't sound cheesy or unintelligent. He's just shining the light on God, and he's much pleasing God by doing so. God gave him an amazing talent!

[coolanddark]

I would put your works of art right along side the all time masters like Michelangelo, Caravachio, and Rembrant. I dont believe thats an over statement. You have a miraculous gift!

[tn8chusrdhd]

@5822jtjr ...And you are being judgemental! Mr. Kinkade's paintings have kept me close to God when I had lost all hope. God gave him the gift and to not use your gift is a slap in the face of God. I believe Mr. Kinkade is honoring God with his gift and that is what counts. Christians who judge others are not being good Christians.

[bambam12345678910]

amazing 

[ArtistBenSaber]

This guy thinks that art historians are not going to figure out his inspiration from another famous painting by Friedrich?

[TheEchovoices]

this looks like your Sunrise painting i am a little confused

[Suzan1669]

Such a great painting. It's so sad, that here in germany no galeries with your pictures ....

[midav111]

Я сам художник, и мне очень нравятся ваши картины....СУПЕР !!!

[midav111]

Я сам художник, и мне очень нравятся ваши картины....СУПЕР !!!

[Rolexgal]

I love this. I Love this video. I thank God for all your beautiful pictures. I have followed your painting for years. God Bless you. Merry Christmas.

Your #1 fan

Debbie Leyendecker Clark