Thomas Kinkade is a popular American painter who paints realistic, pastoral, and idyllic subjects. Thomas was surrounded by controversy in relation to his arts and business dealings.
Thomas’s business Kinkade company marketed his work as printed reproductions and other licensed products. Thomas stated himself to be a “Painter of Light” and protected it by landmark but it was used to describe artist J.M.W. Turner.
Conversely, he was accused of unfair business practices and criticized by the public which diminished his image in the public eye. He was also sued and damages were rewarded to Jeffery and Karen who sued him.
Thomas Kinkade Controversy: His Wife
Initially, Kinkade was criticized for the commercialization of art. His company was responsible for unfair dealings with the owners of Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery franchises.
Likewise, he pressured the plaintiffs who sued Kinkade, as he pressured them to open more and more galleries, which they were not financially capable of.
Kinkade might not have been singled out in relation to the fraud but his agents were investigated all across the country, the gallery dealers used Christianity to take advantage of clients.
Later the plaintiff Karen Hazlewood and Jeffery Spinello were awarded 860 thousand and 1.2 million dollars in damages due to Kinkade’s company’s actions.
Kinkade was married to Nanette Willey in 1982, the couple was blessed with four daughters Merritt, Chandler, Winsor, and Everett. However, he and his wife were separated for more than a year before his death in 2012.
Thomas Kinkade Net Worth At Death
Thomas was worth around 66 million dollars at his death, through his business Kinkade Gallery franchise and his organization was also selected by numerous businesses such as Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Yankee Stadium so on.
Likewise, he was also involved in charities and donated some of his wealth to Kinkade Make-a-Wish Foundation, Salvation Army, and World Vision.
To enumerate, he donated to families in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C during the 9/11 attack through the Salvation Army in the amount of 2 million dollars.
Notably, he was able to raise more than 750 thousand dollars and grant 12 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Hence, before his allegations, he received numerous honorary awards like Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002, and World Series, and he was also selected for the California Tourism Hall of Fame as well.