RIP: Thomas Kinkade Painter of Light

RIP Thomas Kinkade is reported to have died of natural causes at age 54. I was not a big fan of his work, and he is an artist people love to hate, but I give him credit as an artist for self promotion and getting his stuff out there in the market. While I do not think he is in the same class as Norman Rockwell, for example, the criticism of Kinkade is similar to those who used to put Rockwell down as a mere "illustrator." He was having troubles recently. To those who criticize him, his work is his work. My condolences to his family and friends.
Update:
Althouse on the surreal quality of Kinkade's work.
The Wall Street Journal on what drove Mr. Kinkade's work...