Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light"

The cover of "A Christmas Celebration" by Thomas Kinkade. One of the most successful and prolific artists of all time, Thomas Kinkade - the self-described "Painter of Light" - died Friday at the age of 54, apparently of natural causes.

Kinkade's paintings depicted scenes of a light-filled America with a heavy emphasis on home, hearth and church. His sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in dewy morning light were beloved by many but were criticized by the art establishment.

Credit: Thomas Kinkade/Andrews McMeel Publishing