Blog of the Peddler’s Village Art Gallery

Thomas Kinkade’s newest release, Nature’s Paradise, is now available.  This great new image is the third in the Mountain Retreat Collection, following Mountain Retreat and Mountain Paradise in the series.  So far, it’s proving to be just as desirable as the two before it.  The 18 x 27 size canvas is already sold out (from the publisher).  Galleries are scrambling to fill their inventory for collectors. 

I really like the colors he used in this piece.  There are some aspects of this piece that I like more than others, but altogether, I really do think it’s very well painted.  There’s a lot to look at which makes it more interesting, especially for a cabin scene.  He’s really improved his cabin landscapes over the years, just by adding more color, dimension and detail.  I can see this selling out very quickly across the board.  I just hope we ordered enough to fill our clients demand. 

Nature’s Paradise is the first official release of 2010.  If this is a sign of what’s to come, I’m looking forward to a great year.  I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next.  We have a 24 x 36 beautifully framed and in a prime location on display at our Peddler’s Village Gallery.  Stop in to see it and try not to miss out before they’re all gone.

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So, I realize that Christmas is over and won’t be back for a while, but we’ve had quite a few people coming into the gallery wanting to discuss the movie, “The Christmas Cottage.”  So, I figured, why not write about it?  It was released straight to DVD two seasons ago and we’ve heard great things from those who’ve seen it.  I finally had a chance to watch it myself and I was pleasantly surprised. 

For those of you who haven’t yet seen it, it’s the story of Thom’s life, well, the early years, anyway.  It has an impressive cast with a lot of familiar faces and some big names.  I never know quite what to expect when I watch a movie based around someone’s life.  For me, it could go either way.  Will it be over the top and far from the truth, or will they truly capture the real story?  From what I’ve learned about Thomas Kinkade and what he endured growing up, I must say they got it right.  To be completely honest, I was really touched.  Even now, I could never know everything about Kinkade and the struggles and obstacles he faced, but I feel as though I learned more from this film.  It makes me appreciate him as a man and as an artist even more than I did before. 

I’m not going to discuss the details of the movie, for those of you who have not yet seen it…all I will say is that you’re missing out!  I know that it was on television during the holidays, but I don’t expect to see it on cable again until the end of the year.  So, in the meantime, why not treat yourself to movie night?  Pick a cold night (we sure have plenty to choose from right now) and snuggle up on the couch.  Maybe even light a fire and make some popcorn.  Why not go all out?  Speaking from experience, you won’t be disappointed. 

I get teased all the time because I like to watch the same movies over and over again.  Well, to me, if it’s a really good movie, once just isn’t enough.  So, to those of you that have seen it already, I say go ahead and watch it again.  They’re predicting some snow tonight and possibly tomorrow…..guess I know what I’ll be doing!!!

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So, I know I’m not the only one that’s noticed how cold it is outside.  Is it spring yet?  We’ve been lucky this year with some warm, sunny days, but wow, today is not one of those days!!!  Why does it seem like my favorite seasons are over too quickly, yet winter seems to hang on forever?  I can’t wrap my brain around it. 

Well, on a slightly different note, we’ve changed the gallery around a little bit at Peddler’s Village.  Now that the holidays are over, we decided it was time to move some things around and give the gallery a “fresh” look.  We even brought some different artists in to the North Star side of the gallery to give it a new look as well.  We’re really pleased with the work we’ve done. 

So, why not get out of the cold and come visit us.  It’s nice and warm in here and we’ve got plenty to look at to keep you busy.  Plus, we’re always happy to have some company!

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I must admit, I didn’t know what to think when I heard that Thom was going to start painting a new Disney series consisting of new movie releases.  I was a bit skeptical at first, but now that we’ve received the first canvas in the series, The Princess and the Frog, I am really excited.  Even without seeing the movie, I love the painting!  In fact, the image itself makes me want to go see the movie.  His colors are as vibrant as ever in this wonderful work of art.  Kinkade held true to what seems like tradition and painted a lot of detail into this piece.  He even included two of the ”classic” princesses, Snow White and Cinderella, in the background.

 The Princess and the Frog is the first release in what he’s appropriately titled the ”Disney Discoveries Collection.”  This series will consist of new movie releases as opposed to the Disney Dreams Collection which features the classic films we all grew up with.  The Princess and the Frog features several firsts: the first movie to take place in the city of New Orleans, the first Disney film to feature an African American princess and Kinkade’s painting is the first in a brand new series.  It’s full of romance, but it’s a fun piece as well.  You can’t help but smile when you look at the different characters.  I get that same great feeling when I look at this painting that I do when I watch Disney movies.  To me, there’s no better “feel good” movie than a Disney love story!  To be honest, I feel like a kid again when I look at these paintings….I can’t help but get caught up in the stories they tell.

The relationship between Thomas Kinkade and Disney continues to grow.  It’s been great to see what they’ve come up with so far and I am more excited than ever to see what’s next!  We  have The Princess and the Frog available at both Peddler’s Village and Freehold for anyone that would like to see the image for themselves.  I encourage you to stop in and check it out! 

I’ll be sure to keep you posted as more of the scenes in this great new series are released!

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So, it appears the holidays are among us.  Once again, it’s that time of year when every radio station plays Christmas music all day, every day and all the stores and homes you drive by are cheerfully decorated with bright lights.  One of the things I love most is that people seem to be in a better mood.  Unless you’re out shopping for the best deals today, Black Friday, you tend to find people being a bit more polite and jolly.

I must admit that working in retail makes it a bit tough to want to go shopping.  Once I leave work, I don’t want to think about stepping foot in a store, especially with the holiday crowds.  Internet shopping is all too tempting right about now, but I’m a bit old school and I still like to see what I’m buying before I spend my money. 

P.S. - To any of our collectors that do prefer the convenience of the internet, we now offer online shopping on our websites…just to make life a little easier.

I’m so excited to pick out my Christmas tree, there’s nothing better than the smell of a freshly cut tree!  I love stacking gifts underneath as I wrap them, it makes the holidays feel so complete.  I get giddy just thinking about all of it. 

One word of advice to all who read this, remember to enjoy the holidays… every part of them.  In the end, it really doesn’t matter if you buy the gifts that were your first choice or third.  There’s always next year, as well as birthdays and anniversaries, etc.  If you can’t get it for them now, get it for them later.  The holidays are coming whether we’re ready for them or not so make the best of it. 

Happy Holiday Season to everyone…be safe and enjoy!!!!!

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To all Thomas Kinkade lovers, come join us for an event with the one and only “Painter of Light.”  We’re hosting an event with Kinkade next Sunday, Oct. 18th at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton NJ.   I’m hoping he hand selects his pilots this time around.  To all those who attended our last event, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  

This event is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  I’m especially excited because I know he’s planning on unveiling a new release.  We’ve been told that it’s the first in a new series of Christmas chapels.  I love being among the first to see his latest work.   Thom will also hand sketch a scene on a canvas which will then be auctioned off.  

Thom will probably discuss the Disney Dreams Collection with us.  We might even get some insight on what’s to come.  Of course, we will have live entertainment, refreshments and plenty of images from our stock available for sale at the event.  Get out for the afternoon and join us as we spend some time with the artist that’s filled so many of our homes with his beautiful images.

Tickets are required.  We have those, as well as more  information, available at our galleries.  Be sure to call or stop by soon!!!  Only one more week before Thom gets here!

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Thomas Kinkade continues the Disney Dreams Collection with yet another classic, “Cinderella Wishes Upon a Dream.”  It’s a beautiful piece to add to this wonderful collection.  I’d describe it best as wymsical.  Kinkade used a soft pallet, but was sure to brighten it up in just the right places.  You just can’t stop staring at it,  but you have to stare in order to see all of the amazing detail.  Look closely and you’ll find all of Cinderella’s friends as well as her evil stepmother and stepsisters.  Of course, Kinkade painted Cinderella’s prince by her side, where he belongs.  Also included are all of the characters from the previous paintings in the Disney Dreams Collection. 

This is a perfect piece of art to depict a wonderful Disney masterpiece.  It’s going quickly, just like all the others before it, so don’t miss your chance.  I do have to warn you…if you come in to see it, you’re sure to fall in love with it.  Don’t just wish for it, make your dream come true.  Hurry in to make this great classic part of your collection.

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So, sorry it’s been so long since my last blog.  Things around the galleries have been a bit hectic, to say the least.  To our surprise, the newest image in the “Disney Dreams Collection” has been released.  I introduce to you “Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland.”  We weren’t expecting to see this until later in the year, but here it is.  So, for those of you that didn’t already know, the third scene in this series is now available for purchase.

What many of you may not know is that it is already sold out.  Before this release, Snow White and Pinocchio were the two fastest selling limited editions by Thomas Kinkade.  Now, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan steal the show.  Once again, it has an amazing amount of detail.  I, for one, love the sky.  Look closely to find so many of the classic movie’s characters.  London is beautifully painted below.  There’s a lot of color and detail to this image to make it such a new favorite. 

I may sound like a broken record when it comes to this series, but you don’t want to miss your chance to have one of Thomas Kinkade’s best selling limited editions.  It’s a great painting to decorate your home with and such a special piece to own.  There aren’t many out there, so don’t miss out.  Call or stop by our Peddler’s Village or Freehold Galleries to be the next owner of the newest Disney Dreams release.  Keep in mind, if you can’t make it in or don’t have time for a phone call, we have now made it possible for you to view and purchase on our website. 

If you missed out on any of Kinkade’s other Disney releases, let us know.  We’ll do our best to find what your looking for.  Remember, we love a challenge.  Let us surprise you with what we can do.  Hurry up and check out “Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland.”  For all you Disney/Kinkade lovers out there, you’re going to fall in love once again.

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I’ve been trying to think of all the ways that I could spend my tax return this year.  Things are a bit different now, so at first I felt obligated to spend it practically or even save it.  But then, the more I thought about it, I realized that wouldn’t make me happy.  We all work so hard for our money and we wait for that one time of year when we can count on a big payday.  Why should we work so hard if we can’t enjoy the outcome?  We need to have a little bit of fun. 

I had a conversation with one of our artists and his wife that really got me thinking.  They told me that when he finishes an original they enjoy sitting down together and discussing the piece over a glass of wine.  Why not spend some time after a hard day just sitting on the couch and losing yourself in a painting, or two, of your own?  Now that’s the life!

 The great thing about art is that once you purchase it and bring it home, you get to enjoy it every day from that moment on.  What could be better than that?    During this so-called “recession,” our galleries have managed to strive and we believe it’s because our collectors want to spend their money on quality products.  History has proven that regardless of the economy’s status, art has not only held its value, but continues to increase in value.  How’s that for peace of mind?

I think we all deserve to treat ourselves once in a while, and we shouldn’t be made to feel bad about it.  This may sound strange, but to me, art is like medicine for the soul.  If there’s a painting you’ve had your heart set on for a while, but haven’t been able to justify treating yourself for a change, I say go for it!  If you wait too long, it may not be there later.  We all need a little joy in our lives, so take a break from responsibility and do something great for yourself.  After all, it is the year for change!!!

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