Contemporary artists dislike Kinkaid because he is successful because his work sells to people who don`t care about most contemporary art. These artists make art that is `important` not for its beauty but because it is about the right subjects, usually bashing Christianity and conservative values. Their work is indeed sophisticated—it is art aimed at other artists. Kinkaid`s work is closer to illustration. I find it pleasant but repetitive, but nothing special, but it`s cool that his work pleases people. 99% of contemporary art is meant to annoy, and the artists then get angrier because no one wants these annoying objects.
Sooo... most artists paint like modern classical music, but this guy paints like John Rutter or John Williams. I can’t knock them. The sweetness makes me vaguely nauseous, but technique is brilliant.