As Thomas Kinkade was heavily influenced by the French Impressionists early in his career, he felt a French-sounding name would be helpful if he were to paint impressionistic works under a pseudonym. With the name Robert Girrard, Thomas Kinkade found a new identity.   In the late 80's Thomas Kinkade used this "brush name" to paint several impressionist paintings that were published under both the Girrard and Kinkade names.