Billion Dollar Painter

The Triumph and Tragedy of Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light

By: G. Eric Kuskey

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

The unbelievable true story of artist Thomas Kinkade, self-described "Painter of Light," and the dramatic rise - and fall - of his billion-dollar gallery and licensing business.

He was just one man, but Thomas Kinkade ultimately made more money from his art than every other artist in the history of the world combined. His sentimental paintings of babbling brooks, rural churches surrounded by brilliant fall foliage, and idyllic countryside cottages were so popular in the 1990s that it is estimated that one out of every 20 homes in America owned one of his prints. With the help of two partners - a former vacuum-cleaner salesman and an ambitious junior accountant who fancied himself a businessman - Kinkade turned his art into a billion-dollar gallery and licensing business that traded on the New York Stock Exchange before it collapsed in 2006 amid fraud accusations.

One part fascinating business story about the rise and demise of a financial empire born out of divine inspiration, one part dramatic biography, Billion Dollar Painter is the account of three nobodies who made it big. One was a man who, despite being a devout Christian who believed his artwork was a spiritual force that could cure the sick and comfort the poor in spirit, could not save his art empire - or himself.

G. Eric Kuskey, former colleague of Thomas Kinkade and close friend until the artist's death in 2012, tells Kinkade's story for the first time, from his art's humble beginnings on a sidewalk in Carmel, California, to his five-house compound in Monte Sereno. It's a tale of addiction and grief, of losing control, and ultimately, of the price of our dreams.

©2014 G. Eric Kuskey (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks

Excellent

Very well done where is the Movie?! Tremendously emotional but shows that no matter how much you make Satan can intervene!

Enjoyable listen

Well done. I can’t stand Thomas Kincade as an artist myself but I enjoyed listening to his life story and downfall. It could make a good movie with all the drama that happened. .

Riveting!

What a story! The more I listened, the more I was drawn to it. How terribly sad the way alcohol affected this man's life! The grief it brought upon himself and his family. Money sure does not buy happiness! I've always believed that, but this book sure brings that point home. I'll never look at his paintings in quite the same way again. They are utterly beautiful, but when you know the truth of the painter behind them, all you can think is "how sad!" Interesting story. The narrator is very good! He did a superb job, actually.

Very sad and eye opening...

such a sad story and yet hopeful...a brief example to pay attention to the dark clouds in our own lives and not let them stifle our light

Excellent Book, Excellently Performed!

So eye-opening. The man's paintings are now ten times more powerful in my mind now that I understand his rise, his struggles, his creative mindset and energy, the role others played in his life and art business, and above all, the contrast between his triumphant artist spirit and inner weaknesses that finally brought him down. Very humbling and enlightening. And the Audible narration was superb!

Very Well Written

This account combines eulogy with storytelling chronicling a man's life as an artist within his personal philosophy. It was so enthralling from start to finish.

Fascinating character study of flawed man

Very insightful. Had no idea the kind of demons Kinkade fought during his career. Definitely a cautionary tale for the dangers of not truly living up to one's ideals (and the destructive power of corporate greed...)

Absolutely fascinating!

This is an incredibly well written and performed story. It’s a captivating journey through both the beauty and tragedy of one artist’s life. Some biographies can lull a bit in areas. This one never did. Several critics of Kincaid’s paintings were mentioned in the book, but I don’t remember their names. I think that’s a larger testament to what he brought to the world.

Thomas Kinkade

I went on a cruise in January of 2024 and they were offering an information session on Thomas Kinkade. I had no idea who that was but I’ve been trying to teach myself how to paint. I recognized his paintings immediately but had no idea his art branched out so far. When I got home I wanted to learn more about him. The presentation had me questioning if he was really as good and religious as the presenter made it seem or was he just a businessman protecting his image. This book answered so many questions. I really loved it.

Wow

Really well written, and very good narration. Amazing story. I couldn't turn it off. Thanks