Thomas Kinkade, one of nation's most popular painters, dies in Los Gatos

[marions ghost]

92. The prices were artificially inflated

because he sold them as originals when they were actually factory-produced. Most unsuspecting buyers believed that Kinkades were worth the astronomical prices. The dealers were actually lying to the buyers. It approached a cult-like activity.

Kinkade was not a practicing artist--he ran a factory. So you can't compare this to "every artist" who "sells his work for as much as people will pay." The fact that Kincade was able to do this undermines artists who produce original artwork.

OK--now don't take this as an insult FlaGranny-- I certainly don't mean it that way--but the fact that you can even COMPARE Kinkade to legitimate artists who produce original art IS THE CRUX of the problem.

This is HOW he was able to perpetrate the scam. Because most Americans don't know the difference. But
when you don't know how to value something, before forking over thousands, you would ask an expert, right? These days you look on the internet to look for negative reviews before buying some commercial product--right? Most people feel burned if their investments go bust.

But Kincade was not selling art--he was selling an idea, a dream, a vision of security and better times. He plugged into a deep psychological need--for reassurance on a lot of levels. I don't care what people want to waste their money on to fulfill their inner needs, but you can't compare Kinkade's exploitative enterprize to the work of artists operating honestly.

mg