3.76/5
Author: G. Eric Kuskey, Bettina Gilois
Publication Date: Sep 9, 2014
Formats: PDF,Hardcover,Kindle,Audible Audiobook,MP3 CD,Digital
Rating: 3.76/5 out of 183
Publisher: Hachette Books
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Nov 17, 2014
I have to admit it- I hate Thomas Kinkade paintings, plates, calendars, and all that schtick. I don't think the art is well-done and the sentimentality of it all makes me gag. But the title won me over because I had no idea there was any sort of "tragedy" involved in this guy's life. It piqued my interest. It's a riveting book and reads quite fast. There's a nice inset of colored photos within. I gave the book 3 stars since it seems to be a rather incomplete biography- perhaps a more apt title I have to admit it- I hate Thomas Kinkade paintings, plates, calendars, and all that schtick. I don't think the art is well-done and the sentimentality of it all makes me gag. But the title won me over because I had no idea there was any sort of "tragedy" involved in this guy's life. It piqued my interest. It's a riveting book and reads quite fast. There's a nice inset of colored photos within. I gave the book 3 stars since it seems to be a rather incomplete biography- perhaps a more apt title would be, "Billion Dollar Painter: My Experience Working with Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light." Indeed the book is very slanted towards the documentation of Kinkade's business dealings. His wife wasn't interviewed, childhood friends, brother, daughters- so it really didn't feel like a complete biography. I would have loved to hear from them as well and I think it would have made the reading much richer.May 17, 2018
Everything I know about Thomas Kinkade comes from a chance pickup at the local library's discard shelf, Billion Dollar Painter by G. Eric Kuskey. Kuskey was a business associate and friend of Kinkade's and the book is not a hatchet job, but it is tough going. I was 20 or so pages into this book and was about ready to give it up because it is truly one of the worst-written books I have ever encountered. Clichés come as almost a relief compared to the excruciating description of people and places, Everything I know about Thomas Kinkade comes from a chance pickup at the local library's discard shelf, Billion Dollar Painter by G. Eric Kuskey. Kuskey was a business associate and friend of Kinkade's and the book is not a hatchet job, but it is tough going. I was 20 or so pages into this book and was about ready to give it up because it is truly one of the worst-written books I have ever encountered. Clichés come as almost a relief compared to the excruciating description of people and places, few of which rise to the level of a real estate brochure or an airplane magazine. I just couldn't figure it out. G. Eric Kuskey is a businessman, not a writer - which is fine. But he had a writer help him with this book - Bettina Gilois, "an award-winning writer who was nominated for the Humanitas Prize...she blogs about art and culture for the Huffington Post." I guess those are bona fides, so what gives with the prose here (at random):Sep 03, 2016
Whether you loved artist Thomas Kinkade or purchased one his many cottage prints or groan at the late artist's controversial life, you have to admit that he was a fascinating character. Author G Kuskey, a close friend and former employee of Kinkade, shares his perspective on the man. Coming from humble beginnings, Kinkade struck it rich by commercializing his "Painter of Light" idea and mass marketing his brand into become a 100 million dollar industry.Jun 13, 2014
I was absolutely riveted by this book. It is a highly laudatory even affectionate bio by a former business associate of this painter, a man who briefly captured the middle class love for art with 'values' and resale value too. Unfortunately the details of Kinkade's show-me-the-money approach to his business dealings in the art/collectibles market reveals a huge disconnect between his self-professed Christian faith and his unsavory personal habits and love of boy's club style hi-jinks (drunken I was absolutely riveted by this book. It is a highly laudatory even affectionate bio by a former business associate of this painter, a man who briefly captured the middle class love for art with 'values' and resale value too. Unfortunately the details of Kinkade's show-me-the-money approach to his business dealings in the art/collectibles market reveals a huge disconnect between his self-professed Christian faith and his unsavory personal habits and love of boy's club style hi-jinks (drunken junkets, gambling, expensive cigars, 'hands-on' appreciation of random beautiful women, a broken family life). This is a bio that really reads like Elmer Gantry meets The Wolf of Wall Street. Bizarre. One does have some sympathy for the faithful Christians who were taken in by this man and his not-at-all-ethical business partners who eagerly parlayed the the profession of religious faith as sales and marketing tools. So much for the Christian virtues of this "Painter of Light". Those who enjoy wallowing in schadenfreude will not be disappointed. ...moreApr 03, 2017
Written by an insider in the Kinkade organization, this is hagiography rather than biography, with many passages describing Kinkade's religious beliefs and his sense that his work was for (and from) God. Ultimately, though, it's the same old story: artist (in the general sense) rises to fame, becomes overwhelmed by success, loses his family, and then dies as a result of his own indulgences (in this case, alcoholism). The biggest surprise is how sincere Kinkade seemed to be about his art: there's Written by an insider in the Kinkade organization, this is hagiography rather than biography, with many passages describing Kinkade's religious beliefs and his sense that his work was for (and from) God. Ultimately, though, it's the same old story: artist (in the general sense) rises to fame, becomes overwhelmed by success, loses his family, and then dies as a result of his own indulgences (in this case, alcoholism). The biggest surprise is how sincere Kinkade seemed to be about his art: there's absolutely no hint that at any point, he was faking his belief that his paintings made the world better. The book is also immensely readable (probably due to co-author Bettina Gilois). ...moreNov 12, 2015
A hard cautionary tale demonstrating the toxic mixture of egregious Christian theology, wizard-level art talent, rags-to-riches, extreme isolation from one's own business affairs (allowing others to run things by proxy), and the denial of personal demons (namely inherited alcoholism). Mr Kinkade's story might be the best demonstration of the Christian 'saint-sinner' dynamic struggle of Romans 7 one could witness, and it is heart-wrenching.Jul 21, 2014
A fascinating look on the artist and the man. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kincade prior to his stardom. He was sweet, humble and interested in who liked his work and why. Things changed post fame as they often do. Insightful look into the life and tragedy of Thomas Kinkade.Sep 14, 2016
I found this story of from rags to riches and back again incredibly sad. The only encounter I had with the painter is when I saw him on QVC. He seemed to be very sincere and charismatic. At the time you didn't see anything that didn't have the painter of light on it, calendars, greeting cards,cross-stitch sewing kits, FTD floral figurines of cottages, everything was Thomas Kinkade. Over kill for me, but I did like some of his work. Then one day the news reported that he had died. I thought what I found this story of from rags to riches and back again incredibly sad. The only encounter I had with the painter is when I saw him on QVC. He seemed to be very sincere and charismatic. At the time you didn't see anything that didn't have the painter of light on it, calendars, greeting cards,cross-stitch sewing kits, FTD floral figurines of cottages, everything was Thomas Kinkade. Over kill for me, but I did like some of his work. Then one day the news reported that he had died. I thought what a tragedy. I was unaware of any of the sordid details of this mans life until this book. I feel especially sad for his children, because they paid the ultimate price. All I can say is that Christians are not perfect just forgiven.Dec 30, 2014
Almost hagiography, the author never quite admits that the art is dreadful, but quotes others to that effect. Nevertheless it was interesting to read about this marketing phenomenon, which has nothing to do with art and everything to do with the public's lack of knowledge and taste.Jun 18, 2015
I'm glad that I read this book about Thomas Kinkade, but with it being so depressing and tragic I was also glad when it ended. I've seen the effects of alcoholism first hand when I was growing up and it is truly terrible. I thought the book was quite thorough in telling about Kinkade, though I did find it a tad repetitive at times.Nov 18, 2015
The guy who wrote this book is an unreliable narrator at best, and his view of his friend, not to mention his friend's addiction, is often hopelessly naive. Still, I was able to gain some interesting information, although I'd really like to fact-check it against a biography from a less biased source.Aug 02, 2018
I remember wandering into one of those Signature Galleries at a mall back in the early 1990s and having a woman take us to a little darkened room where we saw a Kinkade painting. She explained how it was a print that was highlighted with paint. Then she turned down the lights so we could see the painting "glow." It was awkward because I was obviously supposed to feel awed, but I was unimpressed.Jan 16, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: I wasn’t riveted, but I didn’t stop reading either; Kusky bounces from less-than-thrilling business details to glossy memories of Kinkade and back again. I probably skimmed a bit more than I should have, but I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. I might not have been quite so eager to finish the book if I’d already known Kinkade’s story, but my limited knowledge kept me reading. It’s interesting stuff, even if it is a little dry. I also wish Kusky had included some Did I enjoy this book: I wasn’t riveted, but I didn’t stop reading either; Kusky bounces from less-than-thrilling business details to glossy memories of Kinkade and back again. I probably skimmed a bit more than I should have, but I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. I might not have been quite so eager to finish the book if I’d already known Kinkade’s story, but my limited knowledge kept me reading. It’s interesting stuff, even if it is a little dry. I also wish Kusky had included some photos–for some reason biographies that include those few extra pages in the middle seem a bit more solid than those without.Jan 20, 2016
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Illuminating. Hope to the masses his legacy is light. What a sad success story.May 17, 2016
Riveting account of Thomas Kinkade's poverty-stricken childhood, his rise to financial success, and the men who surrounded him and ultimately caused the destruction of his fortune. Highly recommended!Oct 27, 2014
I did not know the famous Christian "Painter of Light" actually sought out the darker parts of life, dive bars, alcoholism, and you get the feeling the author left out the drugs and sex. includes the stories of how he bilked thousands of collectors and especially his gallery owners out of their life savings. sad.Dec 04, 2014
I've always been fascinated how such insipid, saccharine kitsch could be such a selling phenomenon, but then one only has to look into the cult-like atmosphere behind the born-again Kinkade, his multi-billion dollar enterprise and the troves of gullible "collectors" to see how it all happened. As an intimate insider, Kuskey accomplishes this by delivering a powerful, hard-hitting, yet surprisingly touching story of a talented artist destined for unheard of riches, the family and associates I've always been fascinated how such insipid, saccharine kitsch could be such a selling phenomenon, but then one only has to look into the cult-like atmosphere behind the born-again Kinkade, his multi-billion dollar enterprise and the troves of gullible "collectors" to see how it all happened. As an intimate insider, Kuskey accomplishes this by delivering a powerful, hard-hitting, yet surprisingly touching story of a talented artist destined for unheard of riches, the family and associates destroyed along the way, and Kinkade's final, spectacular fall from grace. Alcoholism, fraud and greed are exposed from behind the squeaky-clean, Christian-themed images Kinkade paints and it makes for riveting, dumb-founding reading. ...moreSep 18, 2016
Another book that I just happened to stumble across at my local library.Sep 03, 2015
An incredible story yet the slant of the author left me wondering. Eric Kuskey was a long time employee of Thomas Kinkade and through Bettina Gulois narrates his rags to riches and ultimate unwinding. At first I thought this would be a tell all of a disgruntled former employee but it becomes more evident as the story progresses that Kuskey despite disapproving of Kincade's Jekyl and Hyde personal life did love the guy.Nov 15, 2016
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Favorite QuotesMay 08, 2015
Ever wonder what it would be like to have your name imprinted on calendars, music boxes, Christmas ornaments, miniature lighthouses, barns and cottages? Ever wonder what it would be like to have half-million-square-feet of warehouse space containing only your oil paintings of lighthouses, barns, cottages, garden gates and gazebos? Ever wonder what it would be like to own several houses in some of California’s richest neighborhoods? To vacation anywhere in the world? To own vintage Ever wonder what it would be like to have your name imprinted on calendars, music boxes, Christmas ornaments, miniature lighthouses, barns and cottages? Ever wonder what it would be like to have half-million-square-feet of warehouse space containing only your oil paintings of lighthouses, barns, cottages, garden gates and gazebos? Ever wonder what it would be like to own several houses in some of California’s richest neighborhoods? To vacation anywhere in the world? To own vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles and classic Mercedes convertibles? To have your name on several hundred galleries across the nation dedicated only to your artistic genius? To be the head of a 500-employee organization generating over four billion dollars in retail sales?Feb 13, 2019
I enjoyed this book, as much as I could while reading a story about such a talented person's life ruined by alcohol.Dec 27, 2017
Sad tale of what I think of as a talented and inspiring artist, his family and friends and the rise and fall of a legend. Very well written and providing a larger picture than the vitriol of the web. It shows that just having the right heart without wisdom still leads to issues regardless of who you are or how successful. I enjoyed the read very much, was engrossing and well paced if a little to humiliating for others. The story is much like some biblical stories in that it shows the good and Sad tale of what I think of as a talented and inspiring artist, his family and friends and the rise and fall of a legend. Very well written and providing a larger picture than the vitriol of the web. It shows that just having the right heart without wisdom still leads to issues regardless of who you are or how successful. I enjoyed the read very much, was engrossing and well paced if a little to humiliating for others. The story is much like some biblical stories in that it shows the good and ugliness of human life. Definitely worth the time to read. ...moreTake your time and choose the perfect book.
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