I don't really know how to introduce this

[Indy Coug]

Link?

http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showpo...&postcount=467

[Eddie]

One of his main messages is that our country is straying farther and farther away from the core values that has made it such a great country. Even if it is as subtle as a 2x4 to the head, the piece strikes a resonant chord for millions of Americans who also feel this way.

I agree at a very high level with his sentiments, even though I'm not a fan of his work.

I agree - he isn't being talked about due to being absurd and idiotic. He is being talked about because he is making political statements.

Some people might think he is idiotic. And some people might think that those who agree with him (Hannity?) are idiotic as well.

And I also tend to agree on some level with the sentiment - though I also am not a fan of his work.

[Shaka]

He didn't wind up on the Hannity show due to his deft use of color and lighting. His art relies almost entirely on a gimmick.

I don't think you're giving enough credit to his skills with a brush. With that said I'm not an expert on the technical aspects of what makes a great painting from a technical standpoint. I do know that technical ability is only a component of what makes one an artist.

[wuapinmon]

Not by itself but it can be an important element.



This makes my point. You think it's shitty which I take means you think it has little redeeming value. There are others who think the exact opposite. In the meantime McNaughton's work is gaining value and being talked about on a national level.

I think it's impossible to know what people will have to say about these paintings in 100 years. Will they be a footnote in history or will they appear in humanities textbooks? You would argue the former but others will argue the latter. I'm in the middle watching the reactions of both sides. Frankly these reactions are making me question my initial response to the paintings.

I can say this, the debate over what constitutes "good art" is sempitern and will never end. Like poetry, much art appreciation derives its popularity less from what critics say and more from a general reaction to a work.

My initial reaction to the first painting he did, after I saw the White Tree of Gondor on Jesus' chest, was, "this is talented, but trite, crap." Artistically, he's muddled techniques by giving Obama a backlit aura around his head, an almost universal signal of inspiration, while the flames cast absolutely no light in the painting, not even on the knuckles of his hand. It looks like he has something up his left sleeve, which might be intentional, but it looks like poor execution of a fatter body than should be.

Conceptually, he gives the painting a name with "Socialism" in the title, but doesn't view it as anything other than a sadistic power grab, rather than a misguided I-know-better arrogant attempt to solve all the world's problems. Obama is after power for power's sake in the painting, and he wants you to watch him do it as he looks into the tv cameras offscreen (as I imagine his gaze falls).

So, while people may make claims that this will be taught some day, or be revered, or whatever, I'll say that without equivocation that it will not be based on the artistic merits of the work, but rather about the news that it's making and its place in history. The Jehovah's Witnesses missionary tracts have similar style artwork, and no one's shelling out any money for Ud. puede vivir para siempre en el paraíso en la Tierra.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I agree - he isn't being talked about due to being absurd and idiotic. He is being talked about because he is making absurd and idiotic political statements.

fify

Some people might think he is idiotic. And some people might think that those who agree with him (Hannity?) are idiotic as well.

Yes. I think Sean Hannity is a buffoon.

[DU Ute]

Yes. I think Sean Hannity is a buffoon.

You're a great American.

[UtahDan]

You're a great American.

DU bringing it lately.

[smokymountainrain]

You're a common American.

Fify

[Jeff Lebowski]

Fify

SMR bringing it lately.

[wally]

Has anybody linked to the Radio West show interviewing McNaughton yet?

http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/32912...jon-mcnaughton

I caught a bit of it. Pretty much after interviewing him, a panel of folks that Fabrizio put together slammed him. Entertaining.

[tooblue]

Has anybody linked to the Radio West show interviewing McNaughton yet?

http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/32912...jon-mcnaughton

I caught a bit of it. Pretty much after interviewing him, a panel of folks that Fabrizio put together slammed him. Entertaining.

The two artists that made up the panel, that supposedly slammed him, consistently contradict themselves. It kinda reminded me of the classic Abbot and Costello "Who's on first" bit. In one breath McNaughton is like Warhol (ironically, the one artist on the panel is a recipient of the Warhol Grant) or, Hirst etc. and then, no, he's not like either artist. McNauton's lack of subtlety isn't subtle enough! LOL

I was impressed with the host, however. He asked some very good questions. Too bad his panel wasn't really up to the task. I am fascinated by the vitriol here on this board concerning McNaughton. His art touches on a raw nerve. The PHD candidate on the panel seemed to be tapping into that somewhat. That was interesting commentary.

As far as McNaughton is concerned, I say, good on ya. Keep painting man ... kaching!

[Pelado]

The Jehovah's Witnesses missionary tracts have similar style artwork, and no one's shelling out any money for Ud. puede vivir para siempre en el paraíso en la Tierra.

¡DESPERTAD!

[Jeff Lebowski]

Has anybody linked to the Radio West show interviewing McNaughton yet?

http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/32912...jon-mcnaughton

I caught a bit of it. Pretty much after interviewing him, a panel of folks that Fabrizio put together slammed him. Entertaining.

Interesting interviews and discussion. Thanks for the link.

[tooblue]

The self-described “Painter of Light” has died:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...y.html?hpid=z2

[LA Ute]

The self-described “Painter of Light” has died:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...y.html?hpid=z2

Not my kind of art, but I kind of admire Kinkade for sticking by his guns and painting the way he wanted to. Did anyone ever interview him and ask him why he didn't experiment a little with other styles and subjects?