Image caption Kinkade is seen here unveiling his picture Prayer For Peace in Atlanta in 2006

A painter who claimed to be the most collected living artist in the US has died at the age of 54.

Thomas Kinkade, who was best known for his paintings of idyllic landscapes, churches and cottages, died at his home in the Los Gatos area of San Francisco Bay, California on Friday.

Kinkade's sentimental works were said to fetch around $100m (£63m) a year in the US but were not popular with the art establishment.

He died of natural causes.

Kinkade's paintings generally depict tranquil scenes, such as country gardens and churches, while many featured images from passages of the Bible.

His wife Nanette said in a statement: "Thom provided a wonderful life for his family.

"We are shocked and saddened by his death."