Thomas Kinkade is known for his gift of painting light. Splashes of light ranging in color from creamy white to sunny yellow litter his paintings. No other artist has captured light in its many forms, hues, and patterns like the inimitable Thomas Kinkade. Because of his talent, he is recognized as America's most collected artist. In 1958, Thomas Kinkade was born in Sacramento, California. From 1976 to 1978, Kinkade attended the University of California, receiving his formal training at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. The summer after graduation, he embarked on a sketching tour with a college friend, James Gurney. In 1982, he married his childhood sweetheart, Nanette, and co–authored The Artist's Guide to Sketching with Gurney. He and Gurney went on to be employed by Ralph Bakshi Studios to create background art for the animated feature Fire and Ice. From 1984 to 1989, Kinkade published many paintings, so that by 1994, he was a published artist in his own right. That year, he earned the honorary title of Artist of the Year from the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED). An era in landscape artistry had begun that would make a lasting impression in art history. He went on to publish more art books and receive more recognition, collecting fans as rapidly as they collected his works.

One of the unique qualities of Kinkade's work is that he hides messages to his wife and daughters in each painting. For example, for his wife Nanette, he paints a hidden letter "N" in each piece. His four daughters' names, as well as their faces, also appear in his works. Some people say that Kinkade is a passing craze of the twenty–first century; however, it is clear that he has staying power in the art world. His works soothe the senses and inspire the mind because he captures the essence of light, the force on which human life thrives.

Landscape Art

Landscape art is a form of escapism. That is, it allows the viewer to escape into another world of beautiful scenery that is easy on the eyes and induces peace of mind. Thomas Kinkade is a good example of a landscape artist whose work has this effect. His ability to paint light shows his profound understanding of what is lovely to the human eye.

Modern Art Critics

Thomas Kinkade's influence on modern art will be minimal. His art is merely decorative and faddish and will only be a flash in the pan of art history. The only reason he is so popular is that he captures on canvas the scenes that relax and pacify us during a turbulent time in American history.

Which sentence from the text best reveals the cause of Thomas Kinkade's popularity?

A_From 1976 to 1978, Kinkade attended the University of California, receiving his formal training at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

B_He and Gurney went on to be employed by Ralph Bakshi Studios to create background art for the animated feature Fire and Ice.

C_One of the unique qualities of Kinkade's work is that he hides messages to his wife and daughters in each painting.

D_His works soothe the senses and inspire the mind because he captures the essence of light, the force on which human life thrives.