Thomas Kinkade's death launches dispute over legacy

Top-selling artist Thomas Kinkade's wife and girlfriend are in a bitter court battle over the artist's estate. Erin Moriarty reports.

[@jonathanwright8025]

That last person to see him was his girlfriend. Ordinarily that wouldn't be a problem, but his wife and kids felt it was inappropriate.

[@junacebedo888]

Princess Diana died along with her 'boyfriend' not with her playboy husband. Still, the world admired the late playgirl Princess

[@keithnichols7926]

@@junacebedo888: If there's a member of the Royal Family that isn't a "playboy" it''s Prince Charles !

[@tessarae9127]

Well what kind of a wife separates but doesn’t divorce someone with this much money?? Probably someone who wanted to get a piece of the pie… Seems like she was using him even when he tried to move on by being with someone new.

[@donquixotedoflamingo4064]

Holy shiznit, I've been collecting the guy's artwork for years -- framed pictures in every room of the house, fleece blankets, embroidered toilet seat covers -- and never did I know he died, nor the depressing, alcoholic circumstances of his death. I had always assumed he was still living with his wife, Nanette, and was "a doting father" to his four little girls. But, of course, that bio is from books that were published back in 1997. Evidently, Kinkade was a bit of an ass, but his paintings have always been a source of comfort for me. Sure, the subject matter is repetitive -- a little house with some nature and a river flowing into the distant mountains, a seaward cliff, maybe some old-timey vehicles driving on a snow-scraped road through a jovial neighborhood (I think those descriptions fit any number of his paintings) -- but they've always entranced me, soothed my mind before going to bed, and have helped me through some of the rough patches I've encountered in my own life. Grandma's house was a Kinkade wonderland and I suppose that sorta rubbed off on me, brought me back to simpler, youthful times. I'm glad his nephew, Zachary Kinkade, has started to take on his legacy. I honestly wish the family best of luck and God's condolences.

[@AleadaA]

He got off track for awhile and he would have gotten back on track if he had lived. RIP repros of his art sell well at Disney Springs - he is still loved.

[@bernardi5919]

Personally, I don’t appreciate his paintings but the people who hate them are far worse. I’m glad you don’t succumb to the drone of pretentious art nerds and enjoy what you please.

[@junacebedo888]

In the Chess world, Bobby Fischer was a 'God'. No one can dispute that but his comment praising the 9/11 attacks makes him a traitor. So, admire his talent but curse his politics

[@Mulberries69]

@@AleadaA How do u know he would’ve gotten back on track if he’d lived?

[@bethbartlett5692]

No one really knows another, and neither does the press. Alcoholism is a challenging addiction, often depression and suicide seems to accompany the individual. We really are not at our best when we Judge others. Media profits from the drama production. This is not a work of Journalism. The man was overwhelmed with something, and tragically passed. Why would anyone choose to worsen the situation for the family. He was a popular Artist and many came to know art through his works. Anytime one reaches that peak in their profession, those with envy circle to look for opportunities to put them down in an effort to lift themselves up. Human Ego Mind's You enjoy your pieces, and keep that Positive Thought Energy!

[@ky4864]

I know everyone has their own taste but no part of me relates to people who say that his art is bad. It’s just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! May he Rest In Peace.

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

Communists hate beauty. He depicted life in a beautiful light. Devils hate that.

[@margeschroeder509]

A beautiful gift he had---

[@thegoodfight426]

May Thomas rest in peace. I don't have to know the details of this man's life to know that he is one of God's beloved as Jesus Christ died for the world. I pray that his sins are forgiven and he is now living in the beauty his paintings reflected!

[@TheJbhmetal]

"His wife and four daughters meant the world to him" then why cheat?

[@tammyhollandsworth6783]

I could care less about his past. Everyone has one. He will always be an inspiration to some of those who loved him and his work. Jesus knew the struggles nothing else matters. ❤ God continue to be with Thom’s family. 😊

[@tessarae9127]

I don’t know why nobody is asking if his girlfriend somehow didn’t encourage or even force an overdose after he signed over everything…?

[@TiwazPagan-if3og]

Eeeh, we're all human, we all have demons and flaws, but we also carry with us divinity if we so choose. And I feel Thomas shared that divinity with us in every brush stroke! Cheers to his legacy and marvelous, entrancing, lush artwork that is just captivating!

[@barbj9785]

Even christians struggle with alcohol. HIs artistry is a gift from God and he used it and shared it with the world. HIs wife/kids should get everything.

[@garyedwards3269]

Poor Thomas. He could paint light into money...but he couldn't unpaint the darkness that came with money and success. Reality was very much a hardhearted landscape from which he sought escape. He would try to escape though... Into his own imagination through painting...peaceful settings...cozy cottages...lush nature...old world settings and family values. Literally heaven on Earth. But heaven is not to be had on Earth as Thomas came to know. Money can buy everything that the material world offers...but none of the spiritual. There was no bridge he could cross. So now the paintings no longer beckon to him...but to us...drawing us closer spiritually to the special interior light of goodness that they represent. What's left of Thomas Kinkade is materially there behind the brightly lit windows of each cottage and castle that he tirelessly painted; finally at rest in the land of make believe.

[@v1111.]

Oh wow I have a pillow that says land of make believe 😱 lord forgive me seems everything is just evil

[@bobb1870]

After watching the promotional message and reading about what happened in his real life, I do not see his work in the same light now. It has a darkness to them. However, I think that is good as it makes him real and human, before it was kind of fake. Struggle and challenge make a person, if he had lived the work would have gained a wider audience as it changed.

[@originalname7176]

HIS PEORSONS ARE INCREDIBLE BICHHH

[@junacebedo888]

You are being emotional. That is not the way to appreciate Art. ( I have yet to study Kinkade's work. I have no opinion on his talent)

[@MrGuitartramp]

The guy had talent but as an art dealer I can tell you that if you invest in his works you will go broke.Never collect artists that mass produce. Collect Steve Kaufman.

[@topturn9653]

not a Van Gogh fan. nope he's a goner also

[@ninamaldonado2285]

Gee thanks, we are celebrating his life not to act as if we are on Wall St or talk art dealers, what do we care? So what? And by the way, the guy did have talent as you wrote. Lol.

[@Smedley60]

His personal life is not news and no one's business but his family's. This is no more than high school gossip.

[@originalname7176]

Why

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

It is when it's in direct opposition to what he constantly preached to a nauseating degree

[@jestawell]

@@majimasmajimemes1156imagine judging any popular artist by their social lives lol

[@AstronomyGuru84]

I never really understood why the art community didn't like him or his work. After some research it seems that people don't like him because he made money off of his work. I think his paintings are meh. But I certainly don't dislike the guy because he made money off his work.

[@originalname7176]

Finaly a smart peorson who likes good things. NOT LIKE THE RESTS

[@jeffreygao3956]

I would so like to see what Tangled: The Series would look in his art style.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

William Thomas Kinkade III (January 19, 1958 - April 6, 2012) was an American painter of popular realistic, pastoral, and idyllic subjects. He is notable for the mass marketing of his work as printed reproductions and other licensed products via the Thomas Kinkade Company. He described himself as "Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light", a phrase he protected through trademark but which was originally used to describe the English artist J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851). According to Kinkade's company, one in every twenty American homes owns a copy of one of his paintings.

[@JPKnapp-ro6xm]

Realistic? I have never in my long life seen anyplace that looks like his paintings. They are fantasies.

[@richardmorganwrites]

It goes to show that you don't have to be a saint to create good in the world. Obviously, it's a noble and worthwhile thing to work on yourself. But you don't have to wait until you're flawless to beget a positive effect on your neighbors. Mr. Thom clearly had some demons, some tolerated and some inevitable. But the effect that his work had on people is undeniable. Regardless of motives, schemes, politics, scandals, what-have-you, these paintings touched people. Now go out there and do good despite yourself.

[@valmid5069]

*Solar Sands analysis and bad comments said about his artwork brought me here*

[@bertinfeutcha677]

Same.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

Same

[@junacebedo888]

If a painter likes George Bush (or Trump), that painter can't be an artist- Solar Sands

[@betokeysmail8944]

same

[@arfriedman4577]

I had a nice book of Thomas kinkades work until my sister threw it out on me along with three other books I had on a small table. I had bought the books from a discount magazine around mid 2000s. The books were in excellent condition. Now they're all gone.

[@cheapskateaquatics7103]

How do people not know who Thomas Kinkade is?

[@abnormalynn7885]

That's why we Are All Flesh and spirit

[@dougg1075]

His kids

[@camd.4923]

WHEN I WATCH "THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE", I SEE ANOTHER THOMAS... PAINTER OF LIGHT!!!! MAGNIFICENT!!!!!! STILL BRINGS A 😂

[@ReligiousZombie]

He peed on a statue in Disneyland? Glorious! I have more respect for that act than I do for his paintings.

[@jonathanwright8025]

+ReligiousZombie He peed on a statue of Winnie-the-Pooh yelling "This ones for you Walt!"

[@originalname7176]

WHY IS EVRIONE HAITING THIS GUY HIS ARTWORK IS INCREDIBLE AS HIM HE WAS SO VEAUTIFUL AND GOOD

[@khadijahbea7848]

Ok please tell me why you hate his art I really want to know why

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

I find it hilarious for some reason. No offense for Kinkade since his paintings are very cozy and vibrant despite being a flawed painter.

[@originalname7176]

@@khadijahbea7848 i not haiting his art I love it

[@markwaldbillig9983]

I have one of his paintings that is certified there's a 911 painting

[@zolitariglussey6302]

We have his artwork and I never knew he had a DWI/DUI and a failed marriage.... Not that it matters but when I hear how things fell apart it makes me think that as usual Money (The Root of all EVIL) destroyed his family..

[@kkkkkkatherine]

Correction: IT IS THE LOVE OF money that is the root of all evil ... ! 1 Timothy 6:10

[@originalname7176]

WHY ARE U HATING THIS HUMAN BEING LOL

[@robertrobin10]

he wasnt named 'painter of light' he called himself that,then copywrited the phrase! considering how drunk he always was I guess he really was lite up!! just go to ebay and see what these prints(paintings) sell for-- its not much. why these people were paying thousands of dollars for a print is amazing,they can print millions of them!!! they can never be rare.personally Id give him $100 for the frame and nothing for the 'artwork'.

[@khadijahbea7848]

So your mad that his art made money because people enjoyed it?

[@joannecheek5669]

If we know his work then we are familiar with his name Gail!

[@aph4778]

I just went to Walmart and saw his art covered in Disney characters! It ruins the entire painting. It’s not a Disney painting and whoever has control over his art is looking for lots of money

[@erina4586]

Throw! Amy's Rubbish Hand Written so-called Will out! And pass the Legacy of His Paintings and Business onto his Children. An Investigation needs to be done on the girl friend, and NO! she is not entitled to any of his money or Paintings, morally speaking.

[@aph4778]

What nasty person ruined a beautiful legacy

[@bm4114]

As is so often with outwardly religious types...they lead double lives.

[@Jay-ef2ii]

This painter (Thomas Kinkaide) is the Johan Vermeer of America.

[@dalonbranch8270]

Anyone who can’t see that it was a conscious effort to destroy this man’s impact with his work by maximizing his human flaws to the point of distorting the true significance of his art and his approach to distributing his art clearly have a very twisted and easily misguided logic smh.

[@2LoopMk]

Still most boring painting i seen

[@davidbell8794]

ken branca, producer San Antonio. or raymond patty.. he was likely murdered.

[@originalname7176]

No

[@madArt1981]

Gold DIGGER!! This absolutely stinks of “Other Level Goldding”. A Master Digger with a golden shovel! Evil classic G Digger move.

[@bradensorensen966]

I liked Kinkade’s art only because it was connected to Disney.

[@markaungst7887]

Woke Disney sucks.

[@davidbell8794]

zetas and patel and Windsor. knights templar. malta, Columbus.

[@JAGRAFX]

Kinkade's "Art" is just about as bad as mine; but quality and technical expertise are not what is at question here. What is still an open question is if it is just plain "OK" to take people of faith down the proverbial road which ultimately ends with fraud and disillusionment. Like myself; our guess is that Kinkad knew he was a hustler all the time and he conveniently offed himself when the Devil cam to collect his due. That valium-alcohol addiction is one of the worst on earth. Maybe he can drink and drug in the Pat Robertson version of heaven.

[@topturn9653]

too bad Winehouse-some dudes can't

[@khadijahbea7848]

Why do you think his art is bad please tell me

[@zb2845]

@@khadijahbea7848 Yeah! His artwork is superb. I think someone may be just jealous. Calling Kinkade's artwork "Art" and bad is a bit sarcastic, considering that many people know of him and also like his artwork and have his artwork in their homes.

[@ninamaldonado2285]

Why could it not be that he fell out of love with his wife? They were separated. Maybe he did love this chick we don't fucken know we only know what they want us to know, one side. Now they are making that woman look like a gold digger. Maybe she was and maybe not. Nobody said he was leaving his family without and that is how they made it look. It is so easy for people to point fingers at people they don't even know personally especially in these situations because I am sure there are gold diggers out there just like there are gold digger men that look for wealthy older women. We are on the outside looking in. It's too bad that it is mostly women who put women down worst than men. Very quick to judge. It's none of our business anyway WTF. All I am saying is that we do not fucken know them. Obviously, she didn't want to be with her husband or the husband didn't want her anymore. The wife probably drove him to drink lol.

[@LightworkerLissa]

Oh, just shut up.

[@curtismiller5683]

you can't build your life on Disney values, I think he got paint poisoning...

[@originalname7176]

STOP INSULTING HIM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ccr3092]

Yuck

[@TiwazPagan-if3og]

Dan Seagrave is the painter of darkness. I enjoy both Dan and Thomas's artworks!

[@eakherenow]

Art ? If this is art so is velvet Elvis.He took 80% of the money he raised for charity and was justifiably self-punishing;bad art,bad man.