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 ...
Okay Thanks, but Kinkaide is not art.
Well, that's really an unfair comparison.
The "master of light" seems to have totally neglected the parallel world of shadows.
He seems to have gotten to a point, technically, and then stopped learning.
The owner of the house probably drives a Canyonero (top of the line in utility sports, unexplained fires are a matter for the courts!)
2. The foliage and flowers indicate the season is late spring or summer (and presumably warm outside), but a fire is burning inside the house (see chimmney smoke).
Further contributing to global warming.
What a bummer. Next, I'll find out that my "Dogs Playing Poker" painting is a forgery, and not a genuine Rembrandt.
This story will make many in the MSM smile. They never cared for any of his work because cynics can't handle innocence. According to the cynic, innocence is too weak and childish. I remember 60 minutes hinting that this guy wasn't a real artist. The Left's elitists will also smile at this story because any artist who attempts to lift/encourage the masses just can't be an "authentic" artist. Ah...I'm listening to the academic elitist laugh while he celebrates another threatening artist taken down. Kinkade should have practiced some of the innocence he tried to capture in his work. Another example where Christianity and fat egos don't mix.
Never said it was. I was simply responding to your "strip mall" attempt at condescension.
But if you crave contention, how about let's discuss Arkhip Kuinji and strip malls?
What gives?
The one I visited had actual dabs of paint here and there on the litho then placed in a heavily oil scented frame. It smacked a little bit of ....(???) to me ...
The cartoonist Garry Tredeau (?sp) did just that ... he gave ideas to cartoonists and told them how to draw them ... he didn't do the actual artwork himself.
And I'll take JMW Turner, but I agree with ya about Kinkade. I'm a firm believer that "de gustibus non est diputandum" , but eeeeeew already! Kinkade's trite mass-produced kitsch isn't art. It's unbelievably cheesy,clumsily amateurish graphic illustration.(not that there's anything wrong with that, lol!)
"Okay Thanks, but Kinkaide is not art."
Art is in the eye of the beholder. Evaluation of what passes as art is subjective, not objective. Kindaide is successful for a reason.
good sign. I've been arguing for years that the unfettered production of kitsch should be a federal offense.
Another vote for Maxfield Parrish here.
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