The widow and girlfriend of artist Thomas Kinkade are facing off in court over his $66.3 million estate.

According to Amy Pinto-Walsh, who lived with Kinkade and says they planned to wed, the self-proclaimed "Painter of Light" wrote handwritten notes bequething his house to her and expressing that $10 million be given her to establish a Thomas Kinkade Museum.

Much derided by critics for his kitschy painting style, Kinkade had gone through lawsuits and bankruptcy before his death in April when he accidentally overdosed on alcohol and valium.

The artist and his wife had been separated for two years. His wife claims that the girlfriend is a "gold-digger." Both seek to be named executor of his $66.3 million estate.

Kinkade's commercial art empire is said to have generated $100 million per year in sales.