Title: The Victorian Garden

As I explored this English garden, I was struck by the overwhelming fragrance of the many blooms. Back home in California, as I worked on the final painting, I was reminded of the delightful floral scent of the garden. Though painters usually deal with qualities of light and color, I must say this painting captures some of that fragrant bouquet on canvas. — Thomas Kinkade

Victorian Garden I, 1992

Title: Stillwater Bridge

The cooling, tranquil feeling of resting beside still waters… what trouble or pain could not be hushed by such moments? And yet, in the rushing of our lives, each of us at times seem to prefer the raging torrents to the quiet brook — why else wouldn’t we seek daily those waters that are still? Stillwater Bridge is an attempt to reflect waters that are still and inviting. I hope you can linger a moment or two. — Thomas Kinkade

Sweetheart Gardens I, 1998

Title: Garden Of Promise

When a close friend lost loved ones, I was amazed to see the serenity and peace that filled his heart. It was almost as if, despite the hardship of parting, he was already anticipating the joyful reunion that lay ahead. He reminded us that he would “see them again soon.” I chose a garden with a rambling stone walkway climbing up through flower hedges to illustrate my tribute to the hope many of us share of the better times that lie ahead. — Thomas Kinkade

The Garden of Promise I – 1993

Title: Bridge of Hope

The BRIDGE OF HOPE is as stable as the massive granite flagstones that form its arch and will stand for as long as the quicksilver brook rolls down from the hills beneath it. A magnificent white dogwood, symbol of the purity of God’s grace, shades the bridge. Its over-arching boughs remind us that, while we stand on the BRIDGE OF HOPE, we are enshrouded by the loving embrace of our creator. — Thomas Kinkade

Bridges of Inspiration I, 2003

Title: The Garden Of Prayer

Perhaps in a garden we are closer to our creator. We certainly are closer to His creation. My prayer is that this painted garden will be a meeting place for many that would speak to their God in the silence of morning. — Thomas Kinkade

Garden of Prayer, 1998

Title: Hidden Arbor

I often seek out a quiet place to meditate and pray; a special retreat like Hidden Arbor, second in my Secret Garden Places collection. This marvelous waterfall, with its myriad rivulets and streams, is based on an actual place – a little touch of heaven that my family and I discovered on a recent trip to the island paradise of Hawaii. All I’ve added is the romantic arbor with its massive bronze scrollwork. (and of course, the radiant effects of light just have become my hallmark!) The almost tropical luxuriance of the climbing flowers is a gift of the mist, a perpetual veil of cooling moisture created by the dancing waters.

My prayer is that each piece in the Secret Garden Places collection can provide a lovely promise of peace for my collectors. Perhaps each of us, if only in our hearts, can journey to these hidden places for moments of quiet refreshment.

Our first stop was at The Hidden Gazebo, and now the Hidden Arbor beckons us. What “Hidden” treasure will we visit next? Perhaps we can meet there sometime soon! — Thomas Kinkade

Secret Garden Places II, 1994

Title: Hidden Gazebo

If you and I were to walk together along the old Plantation Road north of New Orleans, I could take you to the very spot that inspired the Hidden Gazebo. Perhaps the stairs which lead to the hidden gazebo will carry us to a quiet place of prayer and inspiration. – Thomas Kinkade

Secret Garden Places I – 1994

Title: Morning Dogwood

Morning Dogwood seemed almost to paint itself. The painting started its life as a plein air impression of a tree shaded gazebo that I saw in Hawaii. Back in my studio, I began to feel very strongly that the trees should be pink flowering dogwoods with lavish blossoms—a vision of Eden. — Thomas Kinkade

Dogwood Gardens II, 1995