Norman Rockwell‘s Legacy was more than his just being a great painter and illustrator. He actually was responsible for making available to everyone in an easy-to-understand and even enjoyable way the memories of a simpler and more hopeful life that doesn’t seem to exist today. Recently I connected with Scotty Ingram who had been a child model for the master. He remembers those day fondly and we agreed on so many points.
When we look at a Norman Rockwell painting, we realize that this was our country and it was good. If we had it then, we could have it again—an environment where children are safe; a nourishing family life; adults working together to build a community that is beneficial to all. (View some of these paintings here.)
In fact, there is even a word that has been coined, “Rockwellian,” to describe the utopia of Rockwell’s paintings.
No one would deny that there were indeed a lot of horrible things going on in Rockwell’s life time: two world wars, Nazism, racism in this country, etc. He painted some of his stories to alert people that they might join together for change.
If we put our attention on the bad, we end up feeling sour and not wanting to move or do anything. In fact, that’s why Rockwell’s art was so appreciated. He gave us hope that there is still some human goodness left, even in the face of monumental suppression.
In today’s world, the suppression seems more covert: we are hypnotized by TV and we are deluged daily by bad news in the media from all over the world. (The many good things achieved every day are mentioned only in small print or in the back of the publication.) I think we are withdrawing more and more into our shells. (How many people even know their neighbors in today’s world?) When you look at Rockwell’s pictures, you get that great feeling that he intended. Even from years ago, it reaches you now—you smile, you feel better, you get energy, you want to do something good, make someone else feel good, make your community better. If everyone in the world would get these feelings, can you imagine the impact it could have?
Till next time… the Rockwell Portrait Artist paints on!
Related Posts:
• Comparative Painting Procedures of Norman Rockwell and Jessica Rockwell
• Norman Rockwell Traveling Exhibit Shows in Tampa
• My Cousin Norman Rockwell
• A Favorite Oil Painting by Norman Rockwell
