Is fan art, art?

It;s a debate that as an artist, Nigel Follett has a one sided view of. And despite what you may think it's a positive one.

Take dear old Rod Stewart here. Nigel painted this for a lovely lady who is a very major fan and she is absolutely delighted with it. Nigel's view is that if it's a picture and it provokes a reaction - whatever that reaction is, then why not call it art?