The Dome Cathedral, Riga, Latvia by Thomas Kinkade ~ Robert Girrard Collection, Published October, 2007 - It’s important that, from time to time, we get in touch with our inner child.

I recently met up with mine in an unlikely place – in Riga, Latvia. My visit to Riga featured a chance to work with young Latvian orphans who knew nothing about art or artists. I was enchanted by the passion and purity of their openness to art. As I watched them paint, I thought to myself – this is what it’s all about.

Later, I set up my easel in the cobblestone square facing the ancient “Dome Cathedral” and began to paint. It was a blue-sky day with wispy clouds dancing over the copper dome. I was joined by eager passersby who chatted as I painted.

I realized then that I bring the same passion to my plein air painting that the Latvian orphans showed me. When I worked on The Dome Cathedral, Riga, Latvi I truly reconnected with my inner child. - Thomas Kinkade