Margaret Keane

Music: Betty Davis Eyes (Jazz Version)

Margaret Keane

Margaret D. H. Keane was born 1927 in Tennessee, a state in the Bible Belt. Margaret herself attributes her deep respect for the Bible and inspirations of her artwork to the relationship with her grandmother. She eventually became one of Jehovah's Witnesses, which she said changed her life for the better.[1]

In the 1960s, Margaret Keane's artwork was sold under the name of her husband, Walter Keane. Why she chose to do so has not been fully explained, but conflict over that issue was cited as one of the reasons they divorced. Neither wanting to relinquish rights to the artwork, Walter and Margaret's divorce proceedings went all the way to Federal court. At the hearing, Margaret created a painting in front of the judge to prove that she was the artist. Walter declined to paint before the court, citing a sore shoulder. In 1986, the courts sided with her, enabling her to paint under her own name.

Her works while living in her husband's shadow tended to depict sad children in a dark setting, but after divorcing, moving to Hawaii, and becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses her paintings took on a happier, brighter style. Her website now advertises her work as having "tears of joy" or "tears of happiness".

Keane is a fixture in popular culture. Some of her well-known fans over the years have included actresses Joan Crawford and Natalie Wood, whom she painted portraits of; Filmmaker Tim Burton, who commissioned Keane to paint Lisa Marie; and animator Craig McCracken, whose characters, The Powerpuff Girls are based on Keane's 'waifs'; additionally the Girls' schoolteacher is named "Ms. Keane".

Currently Margaret makes her home in Napa County, California. She will be portrayed by Kate Hudson in the upcoming film Big Eyes (film).

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[2b4uand2b4me]

I love your work-the knowledge of Jehovah removes sadness, replacing it w/ joy as your paintings reflect- The paintings at our Yuba City Assembly Hall are beautiful. I wrote a story envisioning the paradise and the work we will all be doing to restore the earth to Paradise. I put you in the story working with some artists in my congregation (and our sister congregation) painting a moral on the wall in the dinning room of the first New World Assembly Hall... would love to share it with you!

[ShannonsArtChannel]

@2b4uand2b4me Thank you for the beautiful comments Bro or Sis. Enjoy April. I hope you are able to get a full share!

SHan

[6motion6]

Her husband, Walter Keane originally took credit for these adorable atrocities. I'm surprised she would want to take credit for them. Even though they are her creations, she should have let him continue to take the credit so she could be spared any cruel comments about her talent.

[dudsbalboa]

Very evil looking paintings. It doesn't surprise me you are a Jehovah's Witness. That is a cult that twists who Jesus really is.... God. Those paintings are inspired by something other than goodness.

[zevadav]

Margaret I noticed that you have some of your paintings are of the paradise. All of your work is very good. I am happy to hear that you are one a Jehovah Witness. So am I. What Island are you on? I use to live on the big Island. The Kona side.