Painter Thomas Kinkade Dies Of Natural Causes

LOS GATOS (CBS13) - The "Painter of Light" Thomas Kinkade died Friday at the age of 54 in his Los Gatos home.

The cause of death is unknown but his family released a statement saying Kinkade died of natural causes.

Kinkade grew up in Placerville and attended the University of California, Berkeley.

He rose to popularity with his paintings of gardens, streams, cottages and main streets, his home town of Placerville being the main setting for most of his paintings.

Kinkade's works are sold via mail-order and shopping mall outlets.

He leaves behind a brother, sister, four daughters and his wife Nanette.