Born in 1958, Thomas Kinkade grew up in the typical small town of Placerville, Calif., where his artistic bent was recognizable by the age of 4. By 16, he was already an accomplished oil painter with a fondness for the delicately dramatic lighting effects that were to become his trademark in later years. Eventually he would perfect this technique, first introduced by a 19th-century group of painters called "luminists," who experimented with colors and pigments to produce a luminous lighting effect in their works.

Kinkade is a devout Christian who credits the Lord for his talents and inspiration, and all of his paintings, whether of lofty mountains rising through the clouds or the rain-washed streets of a mid-century American town, have a transcendent quality that is uplifting. Says Kinkade: "If people look at my work and are reminded of the way things once were or perhaps the way they could be, then I've done my job."

His paintings' titles are evocative of the inspirational ("The Mountains Declare His Glory," "A New Day Dawning," "A Light in the Storm") or call to mind family values and halcyon times ("Cobblestone Lane," "Victorian Garden," "Hometown Morning"). It is only recently, however, that he actually set out to create paintings explicitly illustrating affirmative values. In his memorable Life Values Collection, scenes of clearing storms and tranquil seas speak of faith, hope and perseverance and are based on the artist's personal experiences.

A devoted family man, Kinkade has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Nannette, since 1982. He pays tribute to her and his four lovely daughters by hiding their names or initials in his paintings, and true Kinkade fans enjoy scanning his works for Nanette's hidden 'N's or sighting the couple's anniversary date inscribed as inconspicuous numbers on little boats.

San Antonio is blessed with three Thomas Kinkade "Signature Galleries," under the collective title, Alamo City Galleries. They are located in the Alamo Quarry Market (behind Borders Bookstore and next to Amy's Ice Cream), in the Rivercenter Mall (on street level off Commerce Street) and in the atrium of the downtown Hyatt Hotel on the River Walk. As "Signature Galleries," they are authorized to carry a complete line of Thomas Kinkade art and accessories, from limited-edition lithographs to Collectors' Society kits, Lamplight Village pieces and mugs, stationery, plates and more, bearing reproductions of the artist's familiar paintings.

The pleasantly appointed galleries offer items in all price ranges, from hand-signed lithographs to a night light illuminating a miniature version of "The Sea of Tranquility," making it possible for everyone to bring the light of Thomas Kinkade into their home and lives.