Kinkade

Thomas Kincaid
Painter of Light
This subject of whether or not Thomas Kinkade is a genuine artist or shrewd capitalist is layered with many faceted values and opinions. Just as various artists do not want to be misjudged by critics who view their art as controversial or inappropriate and may want to be understood and appreciated, the same holds true for artists who find their niche markets. Impressionist painters did not have a venue to show and sell their work because the French Art Academies had that all tied up. Kinkade has found a way to market his art his way.
This now is the age of technology. Do we want to resort to the art police telling people how to deal with their own work as the Impressionists once experienced? Perhaps if Kincade’s business dealings are disreputable then, this is something that should be legislated and /or brought into court if the FBI finds anything worth pursuing legally. I say leave it all alone unless some illegal activities are proven and moral values have been broken. (So far, Kinkade has not been proven to be so.)
During my art visit to the Crocker I was able to see one of Renoir’s paintings in person. I was awed by it and did not think it fell into the chocolate box category. Even though it was a very pleasant outdoor scene which falls into the "Chocolate box" definition Degas and Picasso had derided such work for being happy and having inoffensive scenes. What? !!!?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_box_art
Degas is touted as a contrary and difficult man. If that is his way that does not necessarily need to be what other artists need to be. Why do people have this need to be so opinionated about other peoples’ work? http://www.cosmopolis.ch/english/art/65/edgar_degas.htm
Picasso http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernica_(painting) had actually done a painting on a war which affected his culture in his lifetime just as Kinkade has done with the painting “Heading Home”. Each painter is accomplishing their art thing in a different time and place…with their own style and attitude. Kinkade has the advantage of technology…the other two do not. http://www.thomaskinkade.com/magi/servlet/com.asucon.ebiz.catalog.web.tk.CatalogServlet?catalogAction=Product&productId=202756&menuNdx=0.12
You have asked: “Does any of this matter? Watch Steven Wiltshire as he draws a panoramic view of Rome in three days! I would not deny this person his right to supporting himself and sharing his art with the world, as it is as amazing as each of the other artists discussed here are. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAfaM_CBvP8
Many people believe that true artists are those who remain true to their expressive interests? It will be interesting how our art culture views this young man’s work over time and how he may be able to make a living at it. Hopefully his family will protect him from those who may take advantage of him. (Autism)
Is Kinkade “executing commodities to fulfill the demands of consumers”? Perhaps.
What if by fulfilling those “demands” he is being true to his own vision. One that is satisfying the need to communicate to the masses a message of faith, hope and love? I find it amazing that those who may not want to look at this part of life are opposing yet again the very beauty that these images project. Amazing…