Children's Portrait of Mischievous Little Boy Painted by Jessica Rockwell
Norman Rockwell was more than just 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. I recently learned of someone else who wants to remember Norman Rockwell. He is Scotty Ingram and he was a child model for the master. In fact, he made a website (see below) to help keep these “memories” in mind and Norman Rockwell himself “Relevant, Recognized and Remembered.” I’d like to share some of the points that he makes, interwoven with my own because they fit so well together.
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?
(I spoke with Scott Ingram yesterday and he is making a new website that will be completely free. However, you might want to visit his old website which is still up, Norman Rockwell Club, just to see the 4 free videos that are very interesting.)
As for that portrait that you’ve always wanted, I’m still here—727-442-5553, info101@rockwellportraits.com, and of course my website with over 100 paintings on it.
Till next time… the Rockwell Portrait Artist paints on!
Related Posts:
