By using the Girrard brush name, Thomas Kinkade achieved absolute artistic freedom. This freedom led to a joyful experimentation that resulted in numerous breakthroughs and advances in Kinkade's artistic techniques and talents. Accomplished in the creation of mood and atmosphere in landscape, the broadened palette Kinkade acquired during the Girrard years allowed new dimensions to be employed in how he handled the subtle beauties of the qualities in a broad variety of contexts.