Painting had virtually died out on Java when the last Hindu civilization there fled to Bali in the 15th Century, but on Bali it has been practiced continuously for the last 400 years. For centuries Java was the Mother Country and this is reflected even today in the subject matter of traditional Balinese art. Now most Balinese artists work solely for money, reasoning that it's senseless to go to the trouble making a good painting when a bad painting will sell for just as much, just as fast. Avoid guides and agents. better is to visit the home of the artist (which you can find after persistent inquiry), saving yourself a percentage of the painting which goes to the guide, driver, or agent. The exact same paintings which sell for US$2500 in the art shops on the main road of Ubud, the artist himself sells for US$25 just down the path in the kampung in back of the art shops