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Painter Said to Be Focus of FBI Probe (Thomas Kinkade)
Los Angeles Times ^ | August 29, 2006 | Kim Christiensen

Posted on 08/29/2006 2:34:35 PM PDT by Cecily

The FBI is investigating allegations that self-styled "Painter of Light" Thomas Kinkade and some of his top executives fraudulently induced investors to open galleries and then ruined them financially, former dealers contacted by federal agents said.

Investigators are focusing on issues raised in civil litigation by at least six former Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery owners, people who have been contacted by the FBI said.

ADVERTISEMENTThe ex-owners allege in arbitration claims that, among other things, the artist known for his dreamily luminous landscapes and street scenes used his Christian faith to persuade them to invest in the independently owned stores, which sell only Kinkade's work.

"They really knew how to bait the hook," said one former dealer who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case. "They certainly used the Christian hook."

Kinkade has denied the allegations in the civil litigation.

Two former dealers told the Los Angeles Times that they had been asked to provide documentation of their business relationships with Kinkade's company. They said agents asked for copies of dealer agreements, retail sales policies, training materials from "Thomas Kinkade University" and correspondence, including e-mail.

(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: allhailbobross; art; bashkincaide; beatsdonnadewberry; blackvelvet; christian; crapart; everyonesacritic; everyonesanartist; everyonesanexpert; fbi; frauds; hallmarkcards; hitpiece; innocent; kincaidecausescancer; kinkade; kitsch; notalentazzclown; notreallyart; painteroflight; painteroftacky; preciousmoments; probe; radioactivepaint; saccharine; thomaskinkade; treacle; unhappyaccidents
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To: annie laurie
It's always winter in Hopper's pictures. That cold clear city light.

I find him fundamentally depressing, although I think I understand what he was trying to say.

481 posted on 08/31/2006 3:56:59 AM PDT by AnAmericanMother ((Ministrix of Ye Chase, TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary (recess appointment)))
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To: AnAmericanMother
Try this one, then :)

Not winter, not in the city, and not depressing (at least not to me).

"Cape Cod Morning":

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

482 posted on 08/31/2006 6:32:10 AM PDT by annie laurie (All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost)
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To: annie laurie
Glad he got out of town occasionally. The lady still looks pretty darned grim-faced. Hopper to me is inextricably linked with, if not depression, at least melancholy.

I might quibble, and say that's NOT spring light. The trees are spring green, but the grass is high-grown and brown. And early morning light is softer. Hopper uses that hard-edged, cold light in (almost) all his pictures, but here's one that disproves the general rule:

That seems to me to be a more realistic grasp of light. As I said before, I think his usual lighting is symbolic or at least intended to set a mood.

483 posted on 08/31/2006 6:55:34 AM PDT by AnAmericanMother ((Ministrix of Ye Chase, TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary (recess appointment)))
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To: AnAmericanMother

Now that one (the bridge) really is downright depressing! Not my cup of tea, at all.

I interpreted the Cape Cod painting as late summer ... grass turning brown, while the trees are still green. Or perhaps that's just my warped Californian view, since un-irrigated fields are indeed pretty brown this time of year ;-)

Anyway, I'm off to work ... nice chatting with you :)


484 posted on 08/31/2006 7:08:08 AM PDT by annie laurie (All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost)
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To: SlowBoat407

that pic is just hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


485 posted on 09/02/2006 7:46:39 PM PDT by SunnyUsa (No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.)
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To: Darnright
The close up detail photo above features Tom and his 4 daughters.
The artwork features 12 hidden "N"s in honor of Nanette Kinkade, Tom's wife and there are also 50 hidden Mickeys in the painting... can your find them all?

What an ego this guy has...

has anyone ever thought this guy is a little ummmm...."off" ???

486 posted on 09/02/2006 8:09:16 PM PDT by SunnyUsa (No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.)
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To: Publius6961

I think the master of light got cash in his pocket for his style of paintings. And then churned them out without varying from his routine. I rented a room from one such painter in the early '70's. He spent his time painting the same painting over and over with small variations. People were paying thousands for his work. I forget his name. He was a nice enough sleezebag.


487 posted on 09/03/2006 12:10:07 PM PDT by The Westerner
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To: The Red Zone
My feelings also.

I wondered about Kinkade's popularity and maybe it is because (at least in my opinion) his paintings project pleasant, calm scenes - the kind of places many would like to escape to from the turmoil and frantic pace.

488 posted on 09/04/2006 5:52:26 PM PDT by Jane Austen
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To: sauropod

It’s still funny.


489 posted on 06/18/2010 5:40:41 PM PDT by hellinahandcart
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To: primeval patriot; SlowBoat407; sauropod

Found it-—#290 on this thread.


490 posted on 06/18/2010 5:43:39 PM PDT by hellinahandcart
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To: hellinahandcart

What a thread! Many thanks for reviving it, and how are you doing?


491 posted on 06/18/2010 6:01:55 PM PDT by dighton
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To: dighton

I have absolutely nothing to do with art and know nothing about it but every time this thread comes up I go all the way through.


492 posted on 06/18/2010 6:21:44 PM PDT by steve86 (Acerbic by nature, not nurture)
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To: dighton

Doing fine, and it’s good to see you.

I got pinged to the recent Kinkade thread, and I just had to find this one again.


493 posted on 06/18/2010 6:27:15 PM PDT by hellinahandcart
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To: hellinahandcart; Verloona Ti
Found it-—#290 on this thread.

Ah yes, that's the one.

A true classic Verloona Ti.

And thanks for the ping hellinahandcart.

Image saved.

494 posted on 06/19/2010 1:20:54 AM PDT by primeval patriot
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To: hellinahandcart

Far out.

You dug up a six year old art thread.

The comments are still fresh though!

Thanks.


495 posted on 06/19/2010 1:27:47 AM PDT by primeval patriot
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To: Darnright

#453 is horrific.

He’s managed to combine magic mushrooms, cotton candy, and 80% humidity into one artless print.

I don’t feel so good.


496 posted on 06/19/2010 1:33:46 AM PDT by primeval patriot
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