My favorite is not a painter, he's a photographer, Galen Rowell (1940-2002):
The man was without equal. That photograph is unaltered.
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 ...
how does the excercise of one's religion -- real or alleged -- qualify as a "questionable commercial" purpose? I mean, if he wasn't promising that people buying his paintings would get into heaven sooner would be able to stay out of hell no matter what they did, what's the problem?
let's make it a family affair:
N.C. Wyeth
He sure could cover the range of themes from old European tales,
Early America and the Wild West
"Well, that's really an unfair comparison."
I guess it is. That's why I have Parrish prints in my home, and not any of that Kinkade stuff. It's too cheesey for my taste. Not that I'm an expert or anything....
they all come out of the woodwork to kick a guy when he's down...(only half kidding).
No, I don't own a single Kincaide painting, but I think I did give someone a calendar for Christmas once, before these galleries started popping up. But that was probably me just falling for his "using religion for a questionable commercial purpose" and all.
LOL. Nope, sorry, my guy Turner's the man. Monet, second.Everybody else can arm wrestle over third. (Wouldn't it be great if an art thread on FR actually got as heated as one of those immigration threads?)
That's because you have remarkably good taste!
I have so many books illustrated by N.C.Wyeth. His illustrations were beautiful.
So....if you're business decision doesn't work...just sue? TOUGH LUCK investors.
Uhhh..Actually, I believe that fellow is Elvis.
Art is the one who sang with Paul Simon.
<\sarc>
Oh so what. I never got his paintings...but others loved it. So now, that he's out of vogue, everyone is going to pile on? Whatever happened to his Kincaid communities? They were actually building master planned communities based on his paintings... One day we will look back at the late 1990's and just shake our heads in amazement.
I can live with that.
Because I don't believe Kincaid's work is intended to be a tribute to the glory of our Lord. It is intended instead to make money for Kincaid. The use of religion is OK for the first premise, but not the second, IMO.
Beyond that, it seems questionable whether Kincaid is a good Christian, or whether his work reflects well on Christianity.
My favorite is not a painter, he's a photographer, Galen Rowell (1940-2002):
The man was without equal. That photograph is unaltered.
Interesting comparison and I think you are accurate re: marketing saavy. But I find both Rockwell and Warhol more interesting subject-wise and better interpreters of their contemporary cultures. I wonder if Kinkade will connect that deeply and that broadly in the long run.
Very succinctly put, although I would add that I am in no position to question Kinkade's personal walk. That is above my pay grade, so to speak.
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