Artist:Thomas Kinkade
Title: Sunset Over Riga, Latvia
Edition::S/N Canvas Plein Air Edition
Image size: 16" x 20"
From Thomas Kinkade: Recently I had the chance to visit the enchanting Baltic city of Riga in the tiny Baltic republic of Latvia. During this trip my wife and my two oldest daughters participated in an arts camp for orphans that we had helped sponsor, and throughout the week I had the opportunity to set up my easel and capture some of the beauty of Latvia.

For my painting Sunset Over Riga, Latvia, I attempted to capture the elusive light of dusk. When you paint as the sun is setting, God sets the timetable. My awareness of the evanescent quality of the light is heightened as the radiant glow ignites the low clouds in bursts of orange and flame, as the street lamps and auto headlights flicker on, as reflections and shadows dance in the cold waters of the river Daugava.

Riga, Latvia, is one of the grand old cities of Europe, considered to be the romantic heart of the Baltic. It was opened to tourism with the fall of the former Soviet Union - how fortunate we are to live in an era when this historic treasure with its picturesque medieval districts can once again be celebrated by all.

Sunset Over Riga, Latvia displays the vast sweep of the ancient city, in the manner of El Greco's "View of Toledo." Dominated by the soaring spires of St. Peter's on the square and the Dome Church, the skyline flickers with a thousand points of light, creating a festive atmosphere. Enjoying the sunset view, I am not surprised to learn that Riga is the historic home of the world's very first Christmas tree.

Thomas Kinkade