Art for Everybody (2023)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Thomas Kinkade is a household name, an artist that miraculously took the world by storm with his accessible, yet often criticized paintings. Art for Everybody details the long, sometimes arduous journey of not only Kinkade, but his family. Kinkade’s paintings were art for everybody, is this a documentary for everybody?

I’ve seen Kinkade’s work, I’m familiar with the simplistic approach that he took toward developing art that would be accessible and affordable to all. Though, I was unfamiliar with the dark, harrowing reality that existed behind the scenes, the alternate persona that existed within Kinkade. Art for Everybody is a slow burn of a documentary, which is not always something we have the pleasure of seeing. Again and again the interviewees mention something happening behind the scenes of Kinkade’s massive success, careful not to say exactly what that thing is. Director Miranda Yousef had me hooked, anticipating the big reveal. 

I’ll be honest, the big reveal is something of a letdown–though I don’t feel that this ruins the film by any means (and the anticipation is really the most important aspect of film). Art for Everybody builds anticipation effectively, developing emotion and keeping viewers engaged. Even as we are slightly let down, it’s important to note that the film continues to build suspense–forcing viewers to ask themselves what eventually became of Kinkade. Much like a narrative film, Art for Everybody continues to build throughout, creating something linear, accessible, and interestingly unique. 

Kinkade and his group of outside-the-box thinkers created an artistic empire, something that the world has never seen before, and likely will never see again. Art for Everybody showcases this wild ride in a way that manages to appeal to viewers like me, the ones that know of Kinkade, are familiar with his work, but otherwise don’t care much for what they see. I don’t hate what he’s done, but I’ve never found a reason to purchase anything of his. This documentary shines a very different light on Kinkade’s career and the art that he poured his heart and soul into. 

Does this film make me want to go out and buy his art? No. Though, it allows me to see something in him and his works that appeals to me. When all is said and done, I felt like I was able to see the art of Kinkade in a different light, which ultimately feels like the purpose of this film. Art for Everybody had its moments of grandeur, but there were also moments in which I felt let down or underwhelmed. 

Directed by Miranda Yousef. 

7.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE