NORMAN ROCKWELL - ARTIST
Ranked #1,911 in Arts & Design, #25,488 overall
Norman Rockwell - Probably America's most loved and best known artist.
Rockwell was an artist who, as a child sketched Admiral Dewey's war ships entering New York Harbor in 1899. Then, seventy years later in 1969, he would paint the first landing on the moon.
For a larger look at Norman Rockwell's Triple Self Portrait as pictured above, please scroll down or look at the Table of Contents.
Rockwell was best known for his Saturday Evening Post covers. This isn't surprising, as he did a total of 321 covers,(323 by some accounts). He also illustrated 49 Boy Scout calendars and was involved in the design of three U.S. postage stamps. Although not as widely known, Rockwell provided illustrations for other print media and for advertising campaigns.
I think the Norman Rockwell triple self portrait shown above and below is one of his more interesting works. The clarity and detail of this painting could almost be mistaken for a photograph.
Almost all of the illustrations seen below are available for purchase and allowed me to present a much higher quality photo than the original photographs of my personal collection. My photography was not that great either.
If you are looking for an in depth study of his techniques and the motivating emotional circumstances of Norman Rockwell's life, this is not the right place. This page is dedicated to the creative genius of Norman Rockwell and to the concept of Norman Rockwell's world as a kinder and gentler place. If only Rockwell's USA could exist in our modern hectic and fearful world.
Contents at a Glance
NORMAN ROCKWELL A STORY TELLER WITH PICTURES
THE FAMILY TREE
My primary interest in Norman Rockwell is as a story teller. Yes, a story teller. It is impossible to look a Rockwell piece and not see a story developing.
I consider the painting above to be a primer in "reading" a Rockwell. From bottom to top a Family Tree unfolds.
It begins with a shady, Privateer, or perhaps even a Pirate, who has paired off with a woman whose character may be as questionable as his own. On the other hand, maybe she was captured from the burning ship on the right and endured a forced "marriage".
As we follow the tree upward, character becomes more agreeable. Then we see the family tree fork into the North and the South branch.
The families continue to look more and more reputable and prosperous. Then, at the apex of the genealogy, a modern clean cut couple produces an All American boy. We can only guess what his future many hold.
I'm sure your imagination has already added many more details, I know mine has.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL TRIPLE SELF PORTRAIT
This illustration first appeared on the cover of the February 13, 1961 edition of The Saturday Evening Post. Norman Rockwell was asked to do a self portrait to accompany the announcement of the first of a series of excerpts from his autobiography.
Personally, I think this is an exceptional work. Rockwell painted himself as he really was, but in a way that reminds us of seeing ourselves in a series of mirrors. I think there is an expression of wonderment and of seeing the world as an ever unfolding adventure in his face.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL NO SWIMMING
How about this one?
We see the "No Swimming" sign in the background. The boys, in various stages of dress, along with their dog, are desperately fleeing something or someone.
The who or what is left to our imagination. Is it an angry farmer with a shotgun. Maybe some girls wandered down to the "old swimming hole" and these young men are valiantly attempting to escape with some of their dignity intact.
You must fill in the missing details to "flesh" out the painting and complete the story. You have the power to make the story end as you wish.
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"No Swimming",...
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ROCKWELL OUTSIDE THE PRINCIPLES OFFICE
Some where there is a lad with a lot to live down. Yeah, I know how she looks, but you ought to see the other guy. She's proud of herself 'cause she won. How do I know all this? I have a daughter who, when she was young, punched out a young man in Sunday School class. Mom and I were embarrassed, but she was "Oh so proud" and quite justified as well.Have to love this one.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL SUNDAY MORNING
O.K. Now it's your turn. How about an easy one with which to begin? Five people in a house, but so much is being communicated. I'll bet its a Sunday morning?
Have fun. Take time to build a brief mental image of the feelings and the things not being said in this terrific illustration.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL HUMOR IN ART
NO SMOKING
A master in portraying human emotion, Rockwell was able to project all sorts of comedic situations into his work.
The fireman pictured here has such an aversion to smoke, his very portrait is crinkling it's nose at the smell of its arch enemy. I'm sure the thoughtless abandonment of someone's burning tobacco is also of concern.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL THE DOCTOR
BEFORE THE SHOT
One of Rockwell's favorite subjects were boys. After all he had been one himself for awhile.
This young man is about to receive an injection and is obviously satisfying himself that the doctor has the proper credentials.
"OK Doc, you have a diploma. How about some references".
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NORMAN ROCKWELL HIGH DIVE
This is a great piece.
Can't you just sense the fear. How far down it must seem from this little fellow's vantage point.
Will he jump, or will he crawl back the way he came. To dive or not to dive, that is the question. We all know the view from the high diving board is intimidating.
Norman Rockwell could and still can, so entertain and amuse us with just a pen and paint brush. He used his imagination and perception to stimulate our imaginations and perceptions.
I am grateful that he lived, painted and shared.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL AMERICAN WOMAN
ROSIE TO THE RESCUE
This accompanying print is one I had to use somewhere. I decided to put it in humor. It says so much about what women have to do.
This was painted during World War II, 1943 I think. The role of the American woman was changing dramatically and swiftly. She was taking on the challenges of the workplace while still keeping the home fires burning.
In most cases her man was in the Armed Forces and she was forced to adapt to new things almost daily. When the men returned from war changed in their own way, many found their wives and girl friends transformed into something heretofore unimagined.
America was changed forever.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL LOVE IS THE SUBJECT
YOUNG LOVE AT SUNSET
The theme of love is expressed quite often in Rockwell's works. It seems to me that the Norman Rockwell love was young love. He approached the subject with understanding, humor and tenderness as illustrated by this young couple.
This young fellow has deserted his dog and his fishing pole for his sweetie. She holds the flower he has given her as they gaze at the sunset on a warm summer's evening.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL REJECTED
DEFEATED SUITOR
Perhaps this is the same young man a few years later.
Sweetie may have found another and moved on leaving our hero crushed.
His flowers lie scattered. His faithful dog, now a central part of the picture, tries to comfort his master.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL FIRST DANCE
But does a true lover ever call it quits. Never.
Here we see him again at his first dance. Hey, come on, it night be him.
He seems to be having a bit of trouble, but he will endure. After all girls are worth it, right? Right?
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NORMAN ROCKWELL AFTER THE PROM
The Prom.
Finally, perseverance has paid off. The pride of this young gentleman is evident. With a beautiful Prom date he has reached the pinnacle of dating success.
The happiness of his date is also wonderfully expressed as she shows off her corsage to the soda jerk behind the counter.
These illustrations are just one example of how Rockwell chronicles the life and times of America the way he saw it.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL SPORTS
TACKLED
Rockwell was a fan of sports, certainly including football.
However, being tall, thin, pigeon toed, clumsy and with poor eyesight he quickly determined he would not excel in sports.
His way of coping with this deficiency was to do what he did best. He drew what he saw his contemporaries doing.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL BASKETBALL
OH YEAH
Maybe one of these young athletes represents Norman himself as he attempts to participate in the All American game of basketball.
Can you not hear the discussion, (OK, argument) taking place.
The detail in this piece, as in all his works, is incredible. It is easy to see the bandages, bruises and even the ill fitting socks.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL BASEBALL
100th YEAR OF BASEBALL
In 1939 two events coincided. The opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY and the 100th Anniversary of baseball.
Norman Rockwell memorializes this milestone by creating a wonderful caricature celebrating the history of America's game.
Rockwell loved the creative style of caricature and there is no better example than this illustration.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL CHEERLEADERS
Of course we can't leave out the cheerleaders.
To my admitted, limited Rockwell knowledge, this is his only illustration focusing entirely on Cheerleaders. Since I originally wrote this I have discovered there are at least two more illustrations depicting Cheerleaders.
Without looking at the scoreboard in the background, can you tell whose team won the game?
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NORMAN ROCKWELL THE FOUR FREEDOMS
No discussion of Rockwell would be complete without addressing "THE FOUR FREEDOMS". These were done after the outbreak of World War II, but his inspiration came from a speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Congress on January 6, 1941.At the risk of boring you I would like to include a brief excerpt from that speech. It helps give clarity to the paintings.
"In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want--which, translated into universal terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants-everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear--which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor--anywhere in the world.
That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb."
Enough said.
NORMAN ROCKWELL FREEDOM OF SPEECH
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
"The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world."
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NORMAN ROCKWELL FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
"The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world".
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NORMAN ROCKWELL THANKSGIVING
NORMAN ROCKWELL FREEDOM FROM WANT
FREEDOM FROM WANT
This Norman Rockwell painting is now referred to more frequently as "Thanksgiving".
"The third is freedom from want--which, translated into universal terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants-everywhere in the world".
To purchase this Norman Rockwell print click the link below.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL FREEDOM FROM FEAR
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
"The fourth is freedom from fear--which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor--anywhere in the world".
To purchase this Norman Rockwell print click the link below.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL ARTIST OR ILLUSTRATOR?
NORMAN ROCKWELL HOME TIES
It was not until the very late 1960s and early 1970s that the majority of the art world began to think of Rockwell as an artist. Until this time the art snobs referred to him derisively as an "illustrator".
Rockwell didn't mind. He thought of himself as an illustrator. He felt his illustrations represented American life as it really was.
Norman mostly used his friends and neighbors as his models because they were real mainstream America. He went to great lengths to achieve reality in his paintings.
While doing work for a series on Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Rockwell traveled to Hannibal, Missouri, home town of Mark Twain. He went to Valley Forge while working on George and Martha Washington.
Over the years Norman put together a large inventory of period costumes and props to further authenticate his works.
His attention to detail and his mastery of the subjects is incredible. He understood the human form in all it's angles and actions. Find a high resolution photo of a Rockwell and look at the hands, the arms and legs in motion. He was an artist with unparalleled attention to detail.
Norman Rockwell is certainly now recognized as one of the premier artists of the United States. To validate this claim, on November 30, 2006, a Rockwell original sold for 15.4 million dollars at Sotheby's. The painting was "Breaking Home Ties". It depicts a young man about to leave for college and can be seen above.
His originals regularly sell for five and six figure sums at Sotheby's and on occasion bring more. This is the reason I only have reproductions, and not originals.
To purchase this Norman Rockwell print click the link below.
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CUSTOM CANVAS MASTERPIECE
Select from one of three custom frame styles or take the museum quality canvas art to your choice of custom framers.
Beautiful memories to last a lifetime, and more.
I AM A FAN OF NORMAN PERCEVEL ROCKWELL'S WORK
NORMAN ROCKWELL FLEEING HOBO
Well, it's time to run. Maybe not run for my life as the fellow above is doing.
You might now have the idea that I am a fan of Norman Rockwell's work.
I really do enjoy his art. I can see so many told and untold stories in what he did. He had his flaws as do all of us, but through it all, he stayed true to his love of country, family and people. This is certainly reflected in the works he produced.
This lens contains photos of some of my favorite paintings. I will add others from time to time, but the selection of works is too large for this small site to be inclusive.
The only photo here not attributable to Rockwell is the flag used in the introduction to "The Four Freedoms". That is a photo of an actual battle flag. You can see the wounds it has suffered, but like the United States of America it has survived.
If there is something about this lens you like or don't like please leave a comment.
To purchase this Norman Rockwell print click the link below.
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THE DRY, BUT NECESSARY FACTS ABOUT NORMAN ROCKWELL
Birth, Death, Marriage, Children, etc.
NAME - Norman Percevel Rockwell (Nickname - Mooney)
BORN -February 3, 1894
PLACE - New York City (More specifically - Manhattan)
PARENTS - Jarvis Waring Rockwell and Ann Mary (Hill) Rockwell
ONE BROTHER - Jarvis
Norman Rockwell was married three times.
1- Irene O'Connor 1916 to 1928 (Ended in divorce)
2 - Mary Barstow (Have also seen her name as Mary Rhodes) 1930 to 1959 (Ended with Mary's death in 1959)
3 - Mary L. Penderson 1961 until Norman's own death in 1978
CHILDREN - Three sons all born to Mary Barstow Rockwell.
A - Jarvis Waring Rockwell
B - Thomas Rhodes Rockwell
C - Peter Barstow Rockwell
DIED - November 8, 1978
PLACE - Stockbridge, Massachusetts and is buried there.
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ROCKWELL COLLECTIBLES
>A Collectible Rockwell Figurine of 2 Boys playing Leap Frog - Based on a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post Illustration.
>4 Norman Rockwell inspired Gorham Figurines from the "Four Seasons" illustrations of 1963 - They are as follows: Spring-sweet Serenade, Fall-Pilgrimage, Winter-Chilling Chore, Summer-Shear Agony
>A Limited Edition Hand Painted Stein featuring the Norman Rockwell Painting, "Looking Out to Sea".
>A Figurine of Rockwell himself sitting in front on a Norman Rockwell Authorized Collectors sign - The piece is from the Norman Rockwell Museum and is dated 1981.
>12 Norman Rockwell Figurines based on Rockwell's Art. They are as follows: "Trick or Treat", "Self Portrait","Caught in the Act", "First Dance", "Boy on Stilts", "Gramps at the Reins", "The Rivals", "Man Threading a Needle",, "The Interloper", "Asleep on the Job", "Young Love", "Grampa Snowman"
NORMAN ROCKWELL COLLECTIBLE FIGURINES
OFFICIAL NORMAN ROCKWELL LINKS
These are all I have at this time. As I find more I will add them.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL GALLERY COMMENTS
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RuralFloridaLiving
May 12, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
- A lot of fun looking through Rockwell's work and learning a little bit about each of the works you highlighted. Thanks!
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CruiseReady Apr 9, 2012 @ 7:15 am | delete
- Yep. Everyone knows and seems to love Norman Rockwell. The one titled "High Dive" was new to me, and I got a kick out of it.
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MusicFan57
Apr 4, 2012 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- One of my favorite artists of all time. Great lens!
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Richard3331
Mar 21, 2012 @ 4:35 am | delete
- Great Art - Thanks for your visit
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amieljaven
Mar 21, 2012 @ 2:00 am | delete
- Hi!
Thanks for Squidliking my Arthur and Lancelot lens.
You may also want to check out my "Squidoo Lenses for Sale: $4 Each" lens.
Thanks again and more blessings to you and your family.
Amiel
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TTMall
Mar 16, 2012 @ 12:55 pm | delete
- Wonderful and informative lens. Very well done!
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tvyps
Mar 1, 2012 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- A lot of great photos. I remember "Before the Shot" from my Doctor's office when I was a kid. Squid Angel blessed!
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CCGAL Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:27 pm | delete
- Norman Rockwell is one of my favorite illustrators, and you've done a nice job of showcasing his work here. I enjoyed it very much!
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TheLifestyleChanger
Feb 27, 2012 @ 7:43 pm | delete
- Wonderful images of a bygone American era. I have a beautiful Norman Rockwell book.
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Feb 4, 2012 @ 1:56 pm | delete
- I love Norman Rockwell's work. He saw life through the eyes of the everyday man.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL BOOK SELECTION FROM AMAZON
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I am a sixties something Grandpa with many interests.
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