I simply answered the question that was posed to me. A simple search of Thomas Kincaide on Yahoo or Google reveals this and much more about the artist. Also, I saw a documentary on him on 20/20 some years ago. It is no secret about the one brush stroke. That is a well-documented fact in the art world. I have no problem. It seems a lot like a lithograph in a way. If people like his stuff, fine. People also like Jackson Pollack, who I feel is the greatest art fraud of the 20th century. Just my opinion. I like Impressionist/modern stuff, like Monet, Van Gogh, some Picasso, Manet, and have a real fondness for early Southern California Impressionist landscapes. Some people find that boring. I love black and white photography. However, I have friends who like traditional landscapes like Yosemite, or still lifes (Flowers in particular) and even one whose fascination is Elvis on black velvet (Raider fan!), Everyone has their own taste.
I was not looking down my nose at Middle America. I was simply pointing out that is the target audience for his corporation. I certainly feel no superiority-- this group and others have demonstrated a remarkable variety of opinions and beliefs, and each one of them equally valid. My disapproval or disagreement does not necessarily reflect any disparagement.
I think you all know that I am pretty opinionated, but I've always felt that you shouldn't dish it out if you are not prepared to take it. I certainly don't aim to offend people, particularly the people in this group whom I consider friends, at the very least through our common love of model railroading. However, I was born with an obnoxious bone in my body, and sometimes it does get the better of me. Throw it back at me and see if it sticks!!
I cannot begin to thank everyone who has contributed to the greater knowledge of this hobby in general and mine in particular.
One thing I have truly enjoyed about this forum is its diversity, and the willingness of the membership to throw the occasional off-the-wall thread, and see where it goes from there. It is fascinating, keeps me coming back every day at least to read, perhaps laugh, perhaps choke, or perhaps just go hmmmm. Lots of great stuff here. It's only when I write I get in trouble...
Peace out everyone. From your friend, Bob
