Norman Rockwell

Ahh, Norman Rockwell. We love his artwork here. Americana at its best, in some ways. I have one of his most famous pieces, in print, hanging on a wall in my old bedroom back home. The one of the girl looking in the mirror, fashion magazine on her lap, dressed in a simple white gown. It is timeless. Vulnerable. Sweet. Tinged in sadness. Classic. True then and true still. http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/52/5270/RTPZG00Z/posters/norman-rockwell-girl-at-the-mirror-march-6-1954.jpg In a magazine article in Smithsonian Magazine dated October 2013, it stated that Norman Rockwell preferred to paint boys, claiming he understood their world better than he understood girls. But I have found many pieces that capture both genders beautifully. Norman Rockwell seemed to understand human nature quite well as a whole. http://uploads1.wikiart.org/images/norman-rockwell/doctor.jpg http://www.frugal-cafe.com/public_html/frugal-blog/frugal-cafe-blogzone/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norman-rockwell-scout-is-helpful-boys-life-1941.jpg We also don’t always immediately recall is his images of current social justice, politics, religious tolerance, and other difficult subject matters from his time. The Ruby Bridges painting is, interestingly, another girl piece that captures a moment with indescribable clarity in its simplicity. http://media.nola.com/nolavie/photo/picrockwelljpg-f9c6a83bc0f9ff93.jpg or, http://professionsforpeace.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/norman-rockwell-do-unto-others-650.jpg which places conflicting religions standing side by side. I think though we tend to remember his covers for The Saturday Evening Post, the real reason he sticks with us and speaks to us, is his provocative images, which are set right down in the middle of our familiar world. We had the privilege of seeing a Norman Rockwell exhibit recently at the Columbia Museum of Art. The up close view of his works, his process, his perspective spurred many discussions. So much so, we have decided to take a couple of weeks to explore his art process and his subject matter in certain provocative pieces. Please feel free to jump over to the activity section of The Arts category to see how we are furthering our study of this classic American artist. See also: Norman Rockwell Study – Four Lessons