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David,
I agree with you that these copyists will not make any headway when it comes to either your and my targeted cliental. I believe that even if there were artists in China who had the technical capability to successfully copy my painting style, they wouldn't be able to create new compositions due to a lack of understanding regarding my thought process. What I do goes way beyond just copying my reference. It's the subtle decision making that I feel elevates my portraits to works of art. At least this is what my clients say when I ask them why they chose to me.
According to an article in the New York Times several months ago, the best Chinese art schools are turning out young artists that are making a lot of money as unique individual artists. I would therefore surmise that the vast majority of those being funneled into these painting factories are not of the same high caliber.
However, I do receive a half dozen or so solicitations per day from Chinese painting factories. I wouldn't be at all surprised if certain other portrait artists actually take these factories up on their offers, farming out the production and having the factories produce portraits from supplied reference photos, and either retouch or just sign them, and pawn them off as "original" portraits. As a point of interest, my contract with my clients specifically states that my paintings are created solely by me.
I've have personally witnessed many instances where unscrupulous and underhanded actions by portrait artists, and those closely associated with the business, were perpetrated. It's hard for me to imagine that there wouldn't be some for whom the temptation will prove just too irresistible. I don't think that a lack of integrity, greed and a disregard for ethical behavior are limited to the Chinese. We invented capitalism, after all.
David, what percentage of those buying portraits are members of what you call the broader public? Do you really think these practices will affect the bulk of American portrait artists that don't cater to more elite cliental?
Regarding your question, I'm mostly amused. Who wouldn't be flattered to be termed a MASTER? (Whether it's a legitimate title or not!) But I could do without the OLD attached.
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