Thomas Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light, has been selected by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. to produce a commemorative painting of Graceland, Elvis Presley's last and most famous home.
The painting will be unveiled in March 2007 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Presley's purchase of the home and the 25th year Graceland, one of most visited private homes in the U.S., has been open for public tours.
"Who better to capture a classic icon of the American experience like Graceland than America's most collected living artist, Thomas Kinkade," Kelly Hill, international licensing manager for Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. stated in a release.
Kinkade was scheduled to announce his plans at Graceland Thursday by first unveiling a Plein-Air Study, or outdoor painting, which will be used as background material to help in the final painting. He was to also talk about his impressions of the home and grounds.
"Elvis Presley created rock and roll and changed music forever. Graceland was his refuge from the demands of his fame," Kinkade stated in a release. "My hope is that I will capture on canvas a bit of the home that he loved so much."
The Graceland limited edition prints will be available through Kinkade's independently owned galleries worldwide.
Kinkade's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Kinkade's use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Kinkade is said to be the most successful and most collected living artist in U.S. history.
Thomas Kinkade Commissioned For Graceland Painting
September 24, 2006 | Other Source:Googlevinny wrote on
September 24, 2006
this sounds really nice and a print that would grace any collection, lets hope the price stays realistic and not over inflated just because of the subject or anniversary year it will be released.
memoriesoftheking wrote on
September 25, 2006
I think this is a great idea. I just got back from Gatlingurg, TN and visited the Thomas Kinkade gallery there, and his work it the terrific in person. I wouldn't expect the prices to be very low, from what I saw of his other work. It won't be high priced because it's Graceland, it will be high priced because it's Thomas Kinkade.
Miss Clawdy wrote on
September 27, 2006
Is Thomas Kinkade the same artist who sold his pictures on QVC America? The same artist, the FBI was investigating? I've heard, that critics see his pictures as sheer kitsch. I saw them and I see it that way, too. But people always seem to go for the ones who are most present in the media. It's not a question of quality. I guess there would be a better choice for Elvis Presley if it wasn't always a two-sided-money-affair. ;-) Just my thoughts, sorry.
EspenK wrote on
September 27, 2006
I agree, Miss Clawdy. Vulgar kitch is what I'd call his work - imagework for the uneducated working class, to say it like it is. But it fits the Elvis image!