i was surprised at the use of the word "artless" in this context, and had TLIU in order to learn of its possibilities as a complimentary adjective (Having or displaying no guile, cunning, or deceit; Free of artificiality; natural: artless charm.) i was further surprised to find that, at least according to atomica, the definition that i've heretofore ascribed to it (Lacking art, knowledge, or skill; uncultured and ignorant.
Poorly made or done; crude.) is listed as a *secondary* meaning.

did we not recently have a discussion about words which can mean their own opposite? i should think this example would fall squarely into that category.

~b