From Frederic Spotts’ book Hitler and the Power of Aesthetics…
He had a modicum of talent—at least in sketching buildings—but what technique he learned he picked up on his own. Like most amateurs, he began by painting simple landscapes. With neither innate originality nor professional training, he went on to imitate the watercolors and prints of the south German school and the postcard scenes—everyday urban views—that were popular at the time….
[H]e had to paint the sort of thing that an unknown and untalented amateur might be able to sell, and that was inexpensive reproductions of familiar places.
