Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Happy Birthday Norman Rockwell

triple-self-portrait


"The commonplaces of America are to me the richest subjects in art. Boys battling flies on vacant lots; little girls playing jacks on the front steps; old men plodding home at twilight-all these things arouse feeling in me."

-- Norman Rockwell
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It's one of those crazy, busy days, and I literally have just a couple of minutes to post a little something.  I noticed it was Norman Rockwell's birthday today on my calendar. I've been a long time fan of his -- I mean, way back -- like to my childhood years. I have always loved his art. I even received two prints as wedding presents, and the love affair continues.  

The older I get, and the more I see in my life, the deeper his art is for me. For example, I have more appreciation for the mother's faces in a way I could not have before becoming one. ♥  I believe in his version of America. I live in just such a neighborhood, with "Rockwellian" kind of people. I find beauty in the commonplace. He had the gift to capture it. 

Oh my goodness! -- it would be impossible for me to show or tell you all my favorites, especially in the two minutes I have right now! I must do another post on Norman Rockwell -- one of my very favorite artists. This quick post does not do him justice.

Here are my wedding presents:

Norman Rockwell for a wedding present 2Norman Rockwell for a wedding present

...and here are just a few of my favorites off the top of my head.  (roll your mouse over the pictures for titles)

Norman Rockwell The Gossips 2

Norman Rockwell a day in the life of a girl

Norman Rockwell the four freedoms

Norman Rockwell Girl at the Mirror

What are your favorite Norman Rockwell prints?

1 comment:

Rebekah said...

It's too hard to choose one...

I love No Swimming, The Shiner, No Peeking, Marbles Champion and Happy Birthday Miss Jones simply because they hung in my elementary school's office.

But some other favorites are Sunset, Prom Dress, Saying Grace, Breaking Home Ties and After the Prom.

A HS friend picked a Norman Rockwell picture for each of her friends based on some resemblence to the picture. The picture she chose for me was Home from Vacation because I was always busy and stressed and worn out.

Hmmmmm....I do recall getting a lot of lavendar scented candles and lotions for my birthdays back then....

Take a look at the picture and tell me what you think, sis. I think my little family resembles that picture now, too-- only for different reasons! Ha ha ha.