I was somewhat familiar with Kinkade's paintings because my mom and sister always loved them. I wasn't that impressed with them just because it's not my style. After reading the information in wikipedia and Kinkade's own website, I do believe that he is a true artist but at the same time he knows how to market his art work. I wasn't aware that his "wall hangings and spin-off products" amounted to around $100 million a year. I agree with the comment of Curator Mike Mcgee that Thomas Kinkade is "savvy in marketing" his poducts.
At the beginning, he used to sell his originals in galleries throughout California but times have changed. Nowadays, he also sells by mail order and retail outlets as high-quality prints (maybe now my mom can afford to get one of his prints). I don't see anything wrong with him hiring "skilled craftsmen" to add touches such as light effects to resemble the original work of art.
By looking at his own website, I found his collection of "cottages, cityscapes, and great outdoors", amazing!! I do see that he is a talented artist and if he chose to sell reproductions of his original works, why not? And why not use the QVC home shopping network? There are people that say that his paintings are "merely chocolate box art" but I don't see it that way. He emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages and people seem to be drawn to his paintings.
There was a section in wikipedia about his "personal conduct" but it didn't bother me. I know that in the past, there have been famous painters with certain peculiarities and vices so why does he has to be perfect? Just because he is a Christian and paints images from Bible passages? People need to face reality and nobody can be perfect.
Lastly, if he wants to honor the men and women in uniform, why not? He gave several of his "Heading Home" canvas, a limited edition with a personalized hand-signature to people in the military. I think that's great! I don't see that as trying to get more consumers. And as far as the FBI investigation, I can't defend him or condem him, there is not a conclusion to the investigation yet.
5 comments:
I too agree with you that Kinkade is a true artist that had a lot of business since. If people are finding value in this art and willing to pay for it than more power to him as a sucessful marketable artist. Great post.
Cynthia, I really appreciate your comment that you left. I understand that artist also need to make livings, and by sharing their paintings, or selling, them I guess they are doing that. I also agree with you in that Kinkade is a smart business man, and that his personal life shouldn't be anyone's business but his own. Nice work!
The price of celebrity is that bad behavior in public is going to make the news. When you're a brand name like Kinkade, who associates himself with all things sweet and good, you can be sure you're in for it when you let your guard down and act like a jerk. Good post.
I agree with you that I feel Kikade is a good artist. I guess I'm just not as passionate about art like others to care whether or not it’s original enough, but he does paint all the original prints. They all seem pleasurable to look at and it's hard to criticize a guy for being successful in a capitalistic country. As for his legal problems, I don't really care, they're his problems, he'll get what he deserves.
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