Painter Said to Be Focus of FBI Probe (Thomas Kinkade)

Los Angeles Times ^ | August 29, 2006 | Kim Christiensen

[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.

[martin_fierro]

* * S P E W * *

[jw777]

"...fraudulently induced investors to open galleries and then ruined them financially..."

That makes no sense.

[Tijeras_Slim]

You're right, perhaps I should draw cartoons instead.

[sauropod]

That was funny.

[hellinahandcart]

Or does one see the entire image-the gestalt, if you will-of the cottage and the gate as a snarling demon's face?

And now, Mr. Ti, what do you see in this blot?

[angcat]

May I borrow this picture?

[don-o]

If already posted - see tag

[hellinahandcart]

Me too. I must have it.

[sully777]

If things go badly for Kincaid, he can always sell this in his new gallery...in a van at the grassy knoll near the on-ramp. Consider the use of light in this inspiring, furry, velvety painting of the KING.

"Limited edition of course. $250! It's a bargain for any serious art collector wishing to see their investment increase." ~~An actual quote from a Kincaid art gallery salesman in Woodland Hills Mall as we were looking at some cottage in snow painting. (I laughed and the man excused himself for another customer).

[Verloona Ti]

Ms. Ti. And I see Hello Kitty.

[sully777]

Prometheus Kincaid Bound

[Young Scholar]

That would be possible if it could be shown that he withheld material information. Whether or not the fact that he "created a relationship of trust" would make it a worse crime on his part is questionable, though.

[hellinahandcart]

Hello Kitty?

I guess I'm the only one that sees a grinning demon with red horns.

[King Black Robe]

I agree with you on the issue of investment. You don't but anything at an inflated price and expect to make money in your lifetime. Still, Kinkade is very good at what he does. Some of your comparisons are just apples and oranges. Kinkade is not attempting to do what those artists did. It is unrealistic on purpose and quite beautiful. It offers more of a feel than anything. It exaggerates for effect, very successfully so.

[SlowBoat407]

Go for it.

[restornu]

calm down and have a croissant!

From the time of my first encounter with music in life at the tender age of a tot nothing trump one being moved by pure unconditional love which can emanate though those on a on the canvas or an instrument...

[AnAmericanMother]

I simply have to disagree with you, profoundly.

His stuff is not merely unrealistic; it's impossible. Even those who create fantasy have to stay within the bounds and rules of their own creation. Otherwise it is all meaningless.

He has a couple of cheap tricks with light that he has run into the ground - tricks that were known long ago and have been used better by people who actually understand light, perspective, anatomy, botany, etc. What you see as "beautiful" is merely a conjuring trick. Others do it better, and can actually paint.

[hellinahandcart]

Whee!

[AnAmericanMother]

The Feast of Kinkade.

[King Black Robe]

If so many others do it better, why is he the rich one? You can't blame it all on trickery.

It is irrelevant whether it is possible or not. The meaning is in the warm feeling it creates. That's real. Talk to the collectors of his art. Observe the smile on the faces of people who view his collections. Something real happens to them.