SALES OF KINKADE ARTWORK SURGE AFTER PAINTER DIES: PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Galleries that sell the work of Thomas Kinkade are reporting a surge in sales following the popular painter's death at age 54. Outlets across the country say they're calling in extra help to handle unprecedented demand from customers placing orders in person, on the phone and online. At Kinkade's original gallery in his hometown of Placerville, Calif., co-owner Nathan Ross says one Kinkade original sold over the weekend for $150,000.