Thomas Kinkade, the renown of Painter of Light, is one of the most collected and beloved artists of modern times. Kinkade's paintings are breathtaking.

One of my personal favorites is Kinkade's rendering of the transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle that was done as part of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2005.

This Disney piece is one of the most sought-after Kinkade paintings anywhere especially on the auction site eBay. Disney and Kinkade collectors alike have gravitated to this commemorative painting engaged by the luminous light and serene mood of this work of art.

Kinkade is known for including inspirational messages and unexpected detail into his paintings and the Disneyland 50th Anniversary painting is no exception.

For example, the close up detail photo from the right side of the painting features Kinkade and his four daughters (see above to the right).

Moreover, be sure to note Mickey Mouse in the black balloon in the upper right-hand corner of the painting (see above and below).

Also, this Disneyland work features 12 hidden "N's" in honor of Thom's wife, Nanette Kinkade, as well as 50 hidden Mickeys (Mickey Mouse) in the painting!

"When the Disneyland 50th Anniversary gala was announced, I jumped at the chance to paint this place of golden memories. I set up my easel on Main Street to paint a plein air study of Sleeping Beauty Castle, soon to be festooned with decorations, flags, and banners celebrating Disneyland's 50th. I couldn't resist painting my own family among the crowd.

The drama of sunset suggests the end of an era at Disneyland, while the glowing lights at the base of the castle remind us that a new age of imagination and celebration awaits."

--Thomas Kinkade

Well-known Kinkade Dealer and Collector, Karen of eBay user id "karendelac", likes to quote CBS news program "60 Minutes" when talking about Kinkade:

"Thomas Kinkade, The Painter of Light has sold more canvasses than ~~ Claude Monet, Rembrandt, Renoir, Edouard Manet, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Paul Gauguin COMBINED. He is America's, and the World's, most collected living artist. He is to Art, what Henry Ford was to automobiles." ("60 Minutes" ~ CBS)