The Art Establishment...

I think that the “Art Establishment” should allow artists such as Jack Vettriano to be part of their society because, even if some artists use templates or books to help them draw accurate figures, they still need to have the knowledge and skill to apply the paint or other media in order to create an image that the public will admire. The fact that Vettriano makes around £500,000 a year from reproductions of “The Singing Butler”, should tell the “Art Establishment” that they should rethink their attitude towards him and recognise him as a painter and an artist, (as they have previously refused to acknowledge this fact). 

"The Singing Butler" by Jack Vettriano

 I think his paintings are popular because they can give people hope for finding romance - even in a world like ours.

I also believe that popularity does not always mean quality. Popularity/appeal depends on taste – whether or not the viewer is drawn to the style or subject in the image. Quality is more complex to define but would include the technical skill that the artist has used to create the work. Many artists outside the "Art Establishment" would rather sell their work to many people instead of the elite few.