One of the most controversial artists in Christendom has died at the age of 54 -- controversial precisely because he sought to be so uncontroversial. I think that both Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition and Thomas L. McDonald at God and the Machine do a good job of thoughtfully analyzing Kinkade's work and his life, and paying tribute to what was praiseworthy about his art. As for me . . .

I was most struck by how both writers point out that Kinkade in fact painted in two different styles, and that his lesser-known work was in fact superior to his popular work. I would agree with that. I remember once, in a mall store, seeing a painting of Christ that he had done -- simple, stark, and unlike any other Kinkade work I had ever seen. That was many years ago, but I've always remembered that painting -- and Google has obligingly helped me find it so that the rest of you can see what I'm talking about. (Larger version here.) I suspect it will stay with me long after the pretty cottages are all forgotten.

(Image copyright Thomas Kinkade)