I just read an article about a 7 year old prodigy who just sold 33 of his paintings for close to $250,000. When I read the story, I thought it was just another kid hyped by the media causing a run on his paintings. I've seen paintings of so called child prodigies before and although they were nice considering the age of the author, you could clearly see they were painted by a child.

The article I read had a link to another story with examples of his paintings and when I saw them, I was simply blown away by them. Seriously, I'm not into art or anything but my father collected paintings so I have grown up between paintings of "real" artists and that at least gave me the ability to recognize when something is truly a piece of art or not. And these paintings are museum material. They are that good.

Looking at the paintings, there's absolutely nothing that hints at the fact they are painted by a 6 (now 7) year old boy. In fact, a lot of the things he paints are usually only achieved after having done a real art study (you have to "understand" perspective and lighting for instance to be able to draw it convincingly). Not only that, his paintings are done in several very distinct styles (like Cezanne and Monet).

All this makes me actually question whether this is real or not. I lean towards it not being real.

What are your thoughts?

You can find an article (and samples) here.

I don't know much about art, but I think they are nice looking paintings. As good of an artist as he is now, just think about how he will get better with age and experience.

in that link, except for that 1st stream & boats pic - they look like they were hurried, and lacking actual "inspiration" - almost simplistic. like they were painted from a photograph. but - being from a such a youngin - yes - these will certainly being valuable/collectables. but - as he grows - the value will go down. and - will he flood his own market? will he make enough to live the rest of his life off this?

He'll improve once he cuts off an ear.

Eh, I don't believe it. Paintings only sell for that kinda price after the artist is dead.

I have to say, I wouldn't be impressed if the kid wasn't 7. That said, very impressive for a 7 year old.

I hate to be rude, but IMO the paintings look like typical "lobby art", i.e. the generic paintings you see hanging in office lobbies. But for a 7-year-old, he does have a pretty good grasp of perspective and lighting. I think his future is looking pretty bright.

Here's a photo of the boy:

Well, I respectfully disagree. I think the paintings are incredible in more than one way. Of course it lacks detail and give the impression they were hurried, but that's exactly in style with impressionism.

If you look at samples of the great impressionists, like Monet, you would see what I mean.

The style might not be to your liking (I'm not a huge fan of impressionism myself although I've learned to appreciate it), but nothing in his work hints it's done by a 7 year old.

Watch the movie "My Kid Could Paint That":



Very good movie about art.

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: I hate to be rude, but IMO the paintings look like typical "lobby art", i.e. the generic paintings you see hanging in office lobbies. But for a 7-year-old, he does have a pretty good grasp of perspective and lighting. I think his future is looking pretty bright. Here's a photo of the boy:

I don't think you're rude at all. The paintings are incredibly mediocre. Lobby art is an accurate assessment. Don't get me wrong, he definitely is talented. Especially when you consider his age. Art is and always will be a subjective thing and since it is, it is open to personal taste, preferences, and interpretation. Warhol is considered one of the worlds greatest artist, but in my opinion is he was a warped talentless hack that rode the train of marketing not skill. Just saying.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 08-02-2010).]

While the paintings are good thats about it. But if a 6 year old did paint them then that would elevate them to another level. If you can look at a painting and see nothing but the paint and brush strokes, no background on the artist then you are only seeing half of the work.

There are those around us that can do extraordinary things. Some people just step up and look at what your asking them to do and they just do it. I have seen paintings that would knock you out, they look like something you would see in a mansion. Well you would if they were the originals, the person I'm talking about is able to copy anything put in front of her. But you put her in front of a window and tell her to paint what she sees and it will look like a.. well a 6 year old did it

Its all in perspective. Do I think a 6 year old is capable? Sure I do, do I think these are fake? I would have to get a closer look and it would be nice to see him paint something in person to remove doubt. But I cant call them fake with what is presented to me from one website.