Norman Rockwell Documentary

Norman Perceval Rockwell (February 3, 1894 - November 8, 1978) was a 20th-century American author, painter and illustrator. His works enjoy a broad popular appeal in the United States for its reflection of American culture. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades.[1] Among the best-known of Rockwell's works are the Willie Gillis series, Rosie the Riveter, The Problem We All Live With, Saying Grace, and the Four Freedoms series. He also is noted for his 64-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), during which he produced covers for their publication Boys' Life, calendars, and other illustrations. These works include popular images that reflect the Scout Oath and Scout Law such as The Scoutmaster, A Scout is Reverent[2] and A Guiding Hand,[3] among many others.
Norman Rockwell was a prolific artist, producing more than 4,000 original works in his lifetime. Most of his works are either in public collections, or have been destroyed in fire or other misfortunes. Rockwell also was commissioned to illustrate more than 40 books, including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as well as painting the portraits for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, as well as those of foreign figures, including Gamal Abdel Nasser and Jawaharlal Nehru. His portrait subjects included Judy Garland. One of his last portraits was of Colonel Sanders in 1973. His annual contributions for the Boy Scouts calendars between 1925 and 1976 (Rockwell was a 1939 recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest adult award given by the Boy Scouts of America[4]), were only slightly overshadowed by his most popular of calendar works: the "Four Seasons" illustrations for Brown & Bigelow that were published for 17 years beginning in 1947 and reproduced in various styles and sizes since 1964. He painted six images for Coca-Cola advertising.[5] Illustrations for booklets, catalogs, posters (particularly movie promotions), sheet music, stamps, playing cards, and murals (including "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "God Bless the Hills", which was completed in 1936 for the Nassau Inn in Princeton, New Jersey) rounded out Rockwell's œuvre as an illustrator.
Rockwell's work was dismissed by serious art critics in his lifetime.[6] Many of his works appear overly sweet in the opinion of modern critics,[7] especially the Saturday Evening Post covers, which tend toward idealistic or sentimentalized portrayals of American life. This has led to the often-deprecatory adjective, "Rockwellesque". Consequently, Rockwell is not considered a "serious painter" by some contemporary artists, who regard his work as bourgeois and kitsch. Writer Vladimir Nabokov sneered that Rockwell's brilliant technique was put to "banal" use, and wrote in his book Pnin: "That Dalí is really Norman Rockwell's twin brother kidnapped by Gypsies in babyhood". He is called an "illustrator" instead of an artist by some critics, a designation he did not mind, as that was what he called himself.[8]
In his later years, however, Rockwell began receiving more attention as a painter when he chose more serious subjects such as the series on racism for Look magazine.[9] One example of this more serious work is The Problem We All Live With, which dealt with the issue of school racial integration. The painting depicts a young black girl, Ruby Bridges, flanked by white federal marshals, walking to school past a wall defaced by racist graffiti.[10] This painting was displayed in the White House when Bridges met with President Obama in 201

[@TheTacktishion]

At 80 years old, and growing up with Norman Rockwell illustrations and the Saturday Evening Post... I am so pleased to see this tribute. A wonderful man, and great artist....!

[@pauladouglas9891]

The emotions that his paintings evoke are like no other artist.

[@lancerains4185]

I'm a grown man 58 years old, this documentary brought tears to my eyes.

[@annjay2581]

Two years ago I was going through a hard time creatively. I had just been rejected from art school and lost all motivation to paint for a while. Then my aunt dragged me to an exhibition that featured Disney and other big artists but I remember just standing in the Rockwell corner for three hours, being absolutely in love. I had been looking for a style like that for ages, but never had a name to it. I was instantly inspired and now I'm in the middle of illustrating a childrens book for my cousins daughter, this wouldnt have happened without him. Love from Germany!

[@andersonm3874]

Hi how are you doing

[@deboraholsen2504]

What? Had you never seen Norman Rockwell art before you went to that exhibit?! If that is true, I’m sorry you had to wait so long to discover him! I was fortunate to have discovered him at age 11, when someone had given me a large paint by number set of his Little Spooners. It didn’t help me to refine my artistic skills at all, but it was still fun to work on, and a good way to pass the time, since I was in a body cast for several months, recovering from scoliosis surgery! After that, I was hooked on Rockwell and looked for his art everywhere!

[@paulatwood998]

@@deboraholsen2504 Miss Olsen. I like your picture with your two children. You appear to be a woman of beauty and a good heart to make it through your scoliosis.

[@freckleheckler6311]

How come you didn’t enter politics after your rejection?

[@shelleyharris9349]

7:17

[@MichaelaH2059]

I was 17 years old when the news of Mr. Rockwell's passing came across the television. I was heartbroken, even at that tender age. I'm 62 yo now and have 7 gorgeous grandchildren that I'm sure he'd love to have sketched...even the ones that don't have red hair. Norman Rockwell was (is) an absolute genious at his trade.

[@a.rosesrbleu9580]

Norman Rockwell to me means Nostalgia....I can't see a picture of his and not be moved....Jackson Pollack and Picasso and the like, such as Warhol and his soup cans NEVER moved me like Norman's work....In this time of wordly despair, he is still bringing joy to the masses by his work as it inspires as well as gives us something to think about....

[@EagleOneM1953]

In these troubled times for America I look at the period Norman Rockwall painted as wholesome, when Americans still had integrity and patriotism for their country.... and respect for each other, no Mather what color your skin was... Ypou were not judged on that but the content of your character...sounds familiar? I long for those days...

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

Don't be throwin' shade on the cans, man!

[@garycarpenter2980]

Warhol doesn't need to be compared to him, he's a hasbeen nothing can compare to him except Grandma Moses and Whistler and Charles Addams

[@lynnfox2359]

I agree. These pictures remind me of childhood and simpler times, happier times. True art.

[@angelaprice3435]

I have never really understood Picasso.

[@carolpipher4839]

So beautiful! I'm in tears! Thank God for Norman Rockwell, an American TREASURE! He kept bringing the light while great darkness was growing! May we find our way back! 🌟

[@kimporter1744]

Very well said!! I agree!!

[@LawandaFinch]

Amen

[@r-leanmygirl-gj2kt]

Read the novel Jordy, Bounce, and Lilli. I'd bet that Mr. Rockwell would love it

[@robhaidheuch]

As a Scottish artist, I can vouch that Norman Rockwell influenced many artists beyond American shores. It is a travesty that he never realised how highly he was regarded by artists who valued his draughtsmanship, his expertise in using tonal values, composition, anatomy, character studies, and storytelling.

[@leonardodalongisland]

As an American artist I want to say, Thanks for sharing that

[@moneyfindersllc6236]

Unfortunately, that is a very sad and all too common story with All artists throughout the ages...

[@edlevesque5019]

Maby he did

[@deboraholsen2504]

I like your synopsis of all that you valued that is evident of his work.

[@user-rd8id1xk3t]

oluulylulolooooylloolouluioilBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuoiuBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuohBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuoiooluulololuulylulolooooylloolouluioilBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuoiuBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuohBulletinloulipiuolloolluyoooiuoioulouolil

[@l.5832]

People don't consider him an 'artist' because his art made you feel good. People think art is supposed to 'disturb' you. So when you read a book that makes you feel good, that would mean it wasn't written by an 'author'. Thats rubbish. All the art on my walls make me feel good and be happy. Been a Rockwell fan for 50 years.

[@TheChippewa77]

just a shame that Molly spoiled that.

[@l.5832]

@Harold Never used to be that way. Art was to soothe the soul. I think post war things started to change. Now people throw garbage at a canvas and call it art.

[@blinkie1114]

I completely agree, it’s not kitche either. His work is complex, just like human nature. He’s so inspiring.

[@debbiebasche7760]

Art is anything that makes you feel and think....

[@l.5832]

@@debbiebasche7760 Like my last year's tax forms?

[@koozmane6846]

As someone who grew up during the 50s and 60''s Norman Rockwell was a huge part of the American physce, his art graced many of the publications of the time. Even today, when i visit my 91 year old mother, she still has some of his work throughout the house. At christmas you will find his christmas. Work right alongside the courrier and ives the art that defined the spirit of our lives what we wanted the world to be like.

[@susanhampton517]

He captured life, in small town, USA, in the early-to-middle, 20th century. It was both a simpler time, and a harder time. Remembered and loved as a memory of times before, he preserved a vision of a believed era.

[@susanhampton517]

*beloved, not believed.

[@SimonChamp-jn8cs]

😊😊😊

[@SimonChamp-jn8cs]

😊

[@thomascarlisle7895]

That would be “psyche”

[@lightmarker3146]

On a recent visit to our veterinarian , sitting in the waiting room the Rockwell of the boy with his sick dog faced me. I became overwhelmed and realized how much innocents America has lost . After removing myself to the car to cry I was able to continue, just what we do , go on in hope .

[@bornfuct]

By innocence you mean whiteness...

[@danieljohnstone6805]

Well Said Light

[@michaeldavis3819]

​@@bornfuct Define "whiteness" and tell us all why it's a bad thing.

[@ThatsJustPeachy1871]

@@michaeldavis3819probably just a bot, only here to start more trouble. If this bonehead is a real person, they can deal with whatever victimization they feel and interpret comments whatever way they want. One of the few freedoms we actually have…for the moment.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Just how innocent was America? We've always been a country of movers and shakers. Founded on the belief that anyone could make it big.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

He was so precious, so wonderful. My father adored him and one of the last books I gave to my father was a large coffee table book on Rockwell. My Dad loved the book and kept it till he passed away peacefully in his sleep in 2008. I'm so grateful for Normal Rockwell. He was an American hero.

[@elizabethmencia6027]

My sister gave me the same book🧡

[@Chatterbox-94]

One of my favorite artists of all time. He captured simple, humorous, beautiful, and quite powerful images of American society and culture.

[@qsefbqwerqwer2078]

We know, that's what the doc is about

[@luannyates5199]

Absolutely one of the best

[@coyoteroadkill]

When I went to college all the students were sick of the abstract rut art had been stuck in for decades. Norman Rockwell was our underground hero.

[@BrianKliewer]

I still love the painting he did of a man in a business suit closely studying a Jackson Pollock. Those clean lines of his suit contrasting so sharply against Pollock's wild drippings. Great!

[@tincanboat]

I had a difficult time watching this...because I kept crying. I am 74 it reminds me of what America used be. And far down we have come.

[@Art_Music_and_Ideas]

I had the opportunity to volunteer as an art teacher for a few years in a rural elementary school located high in the mountains of southern Costa Rica. The children had never seen "coffee table books" before, and my large color folio of 100 Norman Rockwell paintings captured the children's imagination brilliantly. They loved to recount in Spanish the stories they were seeing, about the recalicitrant dog, about the disappointed little girl, about the proud old man, the newlyweds. I will never forget the joy on the pupils' faces.

[@clydekimsey7503]

Beautiful story 😊

[@Simonjose7258]

I accidentally happened upon a Normal Rockwell exhibition at the Guggenheim museum in New York City. It wasn't the main show and was off in a side gallery so it was a total surprise. I was familiar with most of the work but I had no idea that they were so painterly. Meaning, the paint was thick! The brushstrokes obvious and in places you could even see the canvas. It was like examining a Vagogh. Amazingly impressionistic yet as soon as you stood back, the illusion was complete. I was overwhelmed. I started to cry. I get choked up thinking about it. You can tell that he must have been a compassionate man. His subjects all seem to be feeling real emotions. I had to walk away from the paintings over and over again to regain my composure. I was in a public place after all. Needless to say, it was the most moving experience I've had at a museum...yet. There's still time.

[@SolarDr3w]

When I first stepped into the Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge I was immediately blown away by the pure amount of detail that could be created with the paint and canvas. It was like looking back in time, to see illustrations that represented the time better than most pictures. Truly a timeless artist.

[@ashleysfunworld8100]

@Cyphermunk Reading your comment made me teary eyed. I am an aspiring artist and admired Norman Rockwell's paintings and illustrations.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Norman Rockwell was a master who captured slices of American life! He is an American treasure!

[@simonjohnston9488]

It blows my mind that so many of you still think Rockwell was painting real life.

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

Actually, he painted what the 'ideal' life was. Real like was usually different.

[@jonathancummings6400]

@@simonjohnston9488 Actually, there are parts of rural America, especially in the Midwestern states such as Ohio, Iowa, downstate Illinois, for example in which it was real life. Our lives reflected what he painted. Thanksgiving in my childhood was very similar to Freedom From Want, of the four freedoms paintings. It's why his paintings were so popular here, it reflected our real lives. Sorry if it didn't reflect your real life.

[@johnalbert5786]

@@simonjohnston9488 … he did paint real life, maybe not yours, but much of America!🇺🇸

[@garycarpenter2980]

Grandma Moses was the same way she painted America like I thought 🤔 it was

[@libertygiveme1987]

I watched this episode of Rockwell again and started to cry. Someone on the Video claimed that "One looks at Rockwell's paintings and understands that this is NOT what America was." I beg to differ. This WAS the America that I grew up in, but it doesn't even RESEMBLE that today. HEARTBREAKING!!!! I guess that's why I started to cry!!!!

[@Guez_art]

Norman Rockwell is what inspired me as a 5 year old kid to become an Illustrator. To this day, when I'm overwhelmed by deadlines, I step back, open up a Norman Rockwell book and just reignite my passion. Thank you for uploading this video!

[@yahushaking4367]

what was his prefered paint method?Goauche?

[@Guez_art]

I think he painted with Oil, some of his paintings took a few months to complete.

[@dgcclan9445]

Deadlines, I get it. Wonderful bit of advice though.

[@Lafortuneist]

Oscar Rodriguez that is a great motivation

[@syndeasoroka5942]

Oscar Rodriguez / DITTO ! ILLUSTRATOR also and understand.

[@douglasthompson9482]

As I sit here watching....tremendous emotions and love of America takes me back as a boy. Nothing could be better than Norman Rockwell. He is the American Ideal.

[@AintNoFool]

When I was a child in the 60's, I adored Rockwell art. America as I wish I had lived.

[@marlenemartin4945]

One's perception IS one's reality. What a tender, longsuffering gentle man

[@delmariecrandall9229]

THE MAN WAS A GIFT TO THE WORLD, AN ARTIST WHO PAINTED ALL THAT WE WANT TO BE AND MORE.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

STOP SCREAMING AT US!!!

[@MrsEKrabappel]

​@@r.p.mcmurphy662399 percent of the time when someone types in all caps they have poor eyesight

[@frankkolton1780]

Rockwell's paintings and illustrations were the happy snapshots of my life, I was the boy, the kids were my friends, the people were my parents, relatives and characters about town. His art to me was realism, it captured the humor and best times of our lives. I honestly feel sorry for the people that can't relate to his works.

[@tsilsby888]

Me too.

[@renaepetersen2393]

Me too.

[@wiffleone]

From what Spielberg was saying, his heart was without cynicism. But something seemed to change after he did the four freedoms and I think it became a little more honest.

[@staceghostc2c]

I love Rockwell, and by no means is this me saying I’m judging him as a person, his vision, or his talent, but just think about how many Americans *can’t* see themselves in these idealized images. I feel sorry for that. Post- Four Freedoms was definitely more inclusive, but almost only Rockwell fans are aware of that period. Product of the times, I guess, but I can’t ignore it!

[@raymyers6016]

What a sad and jaded life Rockwell's detractors must have lived. No one was ever led to believe every family and person lived these images. But I have witnessed so many events that mirror these images in my life that I can attest, especially in spirit, this IS America. My favorite artist.

[@EagleOneM1953]

I have always admired Norman Rockwell. As a 14 yr old kid in Belgium in the 1960s I signed up for a mail-in course of the Famous Artist school in Holland and he was one of the artists who's work was used to teach us. Now at 67 and living in America I have several books of his art that I enjoy flipping through on a rainy day... Nothing more relaxing than cozy on the sofa, some Mozart music and reminisce of an America I wished I had grown up in...

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Great note. Thnx.

[@lindadeal3344]

I love American Masters, PBS is the best for news,documentary and telling history!!!

[@unionrdr]

I'll never forget growing up with the Saturday Evening Post and that wonderful old man's cover paintings! Just little snippets of real Americana...the brief moments we all look at, & remember with a tear in the eye & a lump in the throat. The good side of a myriad of things that past through his mind's eye. Little splinters of time never to be forgotten. That is his real legacy...

[@vicentepineda1860]

Let's celebrate the artist as he expresses, in great detail, life in his time as it was, as it could be, and as it should be. A great life: Norman Rockwell. Thanks for uploading.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Norman Rockwell is my art hero. His ability to tell a complete story in one picture amazed me. Studying his work is the reason I am an artist today. I do not paint in his style, but I know that the story telling is paramount. No one should ever have to ask me what my paintings are about.

[@maegimitchfisch5347]

I especially enjoy how you said, no one should ever have to ask me what my paintings are about.

[@mikeappleget482]

Maegi Mitchfisch But great paintings (and great art in general) are suppose to have ambiguity and/or contradictions within them. Even Vermeer’s milkmaid painting is loaded with ambiguity. If you look at it one way the maid looks like she’s intensely concentrating and carefully pouring the milk. If you look at it another way, she looks like she’s whimsically pouring the milk while thinking about something else on her mind while she’s working. This is just one example but almost all the “great” masterpieces have this quality. Paintings, poetry, sculptures, songs, etc.

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

@@mikeappleget482 Ambiguity is like the freeway entrance ramp to incomprehensiblity.

[@mikeappleget482]

amp That’s the most gentile thing I’ve heard all day.

[@leonardodalongisland]

Dallas, as an artist I agree and disagree with your statement. I absolutely agree that no Artist/human has ever been able (arguably Michelangelo) to tell a story with one image the way NR did. Where I disagree is that A: I don't nor "should" any Artist have to-"tell a story" in their work The great Cecil B. DeMille said, when asked about messages in his film, "If you want to send a message, call Western Union." Our job as Artist is not to Tell the viewers anything-it is to put on "canvas" our "Thing"-that Thing that comes from within-that Thing that makes us what we are-different than others-then the majority. It matters not what the "story" or even if there is a "story." What matters is if what the viewer sees moves them. I don't care what my viewers think. As long as they think-when viewing my art. No one should ever have to ask me what my paintings are about-because I won't tell, I don't always know and I don't give a damn. It's my Art: like it or not. Best you .

[@billspence1799]

As a seven year old in Scotland in 1947 I learned to read from Saturday Evening Posts wrappedd round food parcels. The Rockwell covers brought colour and pleasure to a tired, run down country and I still remember some of them.

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

Norman Rockwell is an inspirational artist in my eyes. His art style is truly an inspiration.

[@Straycat733]

One of the greatest artists of the 20th century

[@robertsimoneau5232]

Norman Rockwell artwork saves precious memorable moments in time, they are not idealized but reality for just one moment. Norman Rockwell has frozen these precious times on canvas, times and moments sadly we are too busy or blind to see and cherish when they happen to us.

[@Eyyoh755]

He painted America as it should be. Greetings and respect from Germany.

[@DarlinAkaDarlene]

He painted America as it truly was in many small towns. Having spent most of my school girl summers in Kentucky I can tell you it was like living in Mayberry in the 60's and 70's.

[@JJosephS1]

Norman Rockwell's genius was in being able, in a still painting, to convey in a moment of time caught, the core of American culture and its style of humanity.

[@anitasmith203]

Rockwell paintings portray an American wholesomeness we can all esteem to. Love from Canada❤

[@LB-px9td]

Norman Rockwell was an artistic genius. All the figures in his portraits were detailed and alive , no matter how insignificant they were. That is why his pictures were so interesting. They made us strive for the life he painted

[@everlastingarms3065]

All of Rockwell's paintings not only tell a story, but cause me to want to know more about what I see going on, and want me to be *in* the story he's telling with a single picture. Genuis comes in many forms. For me, that is genuis.

[@shelly5596]

I’ve always loved Norman Rockwell’s true, pure talent in his work. I love that he said “ all of what I’ve seen and or have done, has gone into my paintings”

[@ConnieWeisman]

I was out shopping in a book store, picking up 3 of his books. Went home turned on the news and learned of his pasting. And sat down and cried. Thank you, Mr. Rockwell. Rest in peace.

[@jasperjavellana4454]

Every glance on a NORMAN ROCKWELL painting creates a smile on my face...that “feel good” feeling.. The simple life... a happy life.. Some scenes would want you to jump into the painting and be part of it. REALLY AMAZING !!!

[@cherieplumlee9748]

Norman Rockwell's art inspired me to become an artist myself. His understanding and portrayal of human nature was well beyond any other artist I studied. Though I came to enjoy other types of art and artists, Rockwell was always #1 for me.

[@joeo7257]

As an early teen, my sister wrote him a letter. He wrote one back!

[@janievantol420]

Well done! I absolutely loved watching this documentary on Norman Rockwell. Thank you!

[@rollingthunder7258]

ROCKWELL PAINTINGS ARE MAGICAL, EVERY DETAIL IS SO RICH AND NATURAL, EVERY PAINT IS BEAUTIFULLY DONE. A MASTER IN THE ART.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

STOP SCREAMING AT US!

[@robinq5511]

I have a small collection of art by local artists. What drew me to the ones I have is the unique treatment each artist had for their subject that enabled them to express their view so impressively. Norman Rockwell was easily my favorite artist growing up and I think he taught me an appreciation to look beyond just the picture itself and see the story being conveyed in the artist's heart & mind. Whoever says that illustrations are not 'real' art never looked at them through the eyes of a child.

[@GMMayo-fk9wj]

Pure genius. No artist left America with daily life as he. Rest was rubbish next to Rickwell.

[@suzanneboily5224]

YOU can't watch this without a lump in your throat and tears waiting to run out! The most beautiful documentary ever seen I mean it!!! thank you!

[@skywire444]

i was incredibly lucky to have met him. And he was more than kind.

[@emmarose4234]

Tuck Kamin, SQUEE! Did you ever meet his son Thomas (author of How to Eat Fried Worms)?

[@skywire444]

@@emmarose4234 my brother met the rest of his family and photographed Norman.

[@evelyntalaricosretutotetuy7208]

Thanks

[@cokecola232]

my grandma mom help him most of hes work

[@Say-gexxx]

That’s amazing! You are extremely lucky!

[@MrRotaryrockets]

My 2 Friends and I met Norman Rockwell and his wife on the Spanish steps in Rome in 1972 ..we were sitting there and my Friend Ron Henderson spotted him walking up the stairs and asked him if he was Norman Rockwell ..he smiled said yes he was...Thinking about it now it was . a very special moment this Video brought back those Memories .thanks for sharing

[@rebeccatrevino1976]

How Kool is that

[@andreslopez2130]

Did he not know minorities.

[@cskarbek1]

what i found most poignant was the comment the one gal-now-grown-up model said about him, "he affirmed me." what a great epitaph for anyone''s legacy. thanks for posting this

[@andersonm3874]

Hi how are you doing

[@suzanneboily5224]

There is one Rockwell and he will live forever in my heart. It can never leave. What a perfect video. Can watch it over and over and a lump in my heart always. Thank you for giving us that. Amazing anyway you turn it. Thank you!

[@ShowCat1]

No matter how complex we like to present ourselves we all yearn for a simple existence. Rockwell showed us that existence.

[@SamanthaGCox]

The man was so good that his illustrations are like photographs. Extremely talented.

[@Wonderhussy]

What I like best is that there's so much compassion in his work ❤️ Looking at his paintings, I just can't help but feel an overwhelming love for humanity. The boy going to college, the grandma saying grace in the diner...these paintings celebrate the sweet awkwardness of being human

[@bonitabrandt5286]

HIs work had a very comforting element...he took pleasure in everyday happenings.

[@johnsteele6773]

Norman Rockwell was a great inspiration to me growing up, especially as a boy scout, waiting to see the next scout magazine.

[@pauladouglas9891]

His paintings were such wonderful stories you always knew exactly what he was saying.

[@debyzimmerman6617]

My fondest dream was to one day meet the man whose paintings were more lifelike then ANY photograph, unfortunately I never got to but I've loved him since first seeing his work and my heart broke when his time on earth was done....a loss most will never realize or understand.

[@MayheM_72]

I have always been a HUGE fan of Rockwell! I remember seeing a Rockwell print in my pediatricians office as a child. Then there were the paintings for the Boy Scouts! The faces were so expressive, and the longer you look at his paintings, the more you notice the little details in the background! It may sound cheese, buy my absolute favorite artists are Norman Rockwell and Bob Ross!

[@barbclark69]

What a treasure. Norman Rockwell and this film. Thanks for posting.

[@yadigjamesgang-xs7jj]

Norman Rockwell is the Country Music of Painters and that is the only way I can describe his works, for me, with my limited eye for such things of wonderfulness.

[@mermaidgirl9232]

I fell in love with his artwork at a very young age.

[@jeanluc1404]

As marvelous as are the themes in his paintings, it was always the faces, the eyes, the mouths, the plethora of expressions that held my interest. How sadly impoverished is the mind of one who fails to find pleasure or excitement in this amazing body of work.

[@aucourant9998]

Norman Rockwell holds the same position in US art as PG Wodehouse holds in UK literature. Both were ultimate masters in their chosen crafts, geniuses who were universally loved and admired for their brilliance and craftsmanship.

[@Coalbucketlist]

I could watch this over and over again!!

[@RSidd]

Being an artist myself,..I can't thank you enough for uploading this. Rockwell is one of my absolute heroes of all time. I had tears by the end of it.

[@luvbach1]

Ditto, except I am not an artist.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Do you trace like him as well?

[@madelinesullivan2629]

I just love the paintings, a true observation of life in a way that is nostalgic but captures a time and it’s essence, I would so love to wonder around his gallery. But alas I live in England. Americans must be so proud of this artist. I think his work is beautiful

[@funwithFred]

Funny thing is, some of us, depending on where we grew up, the childhood was very much like a Rockwell painting.......as well as some of the characters, too.

[@cindybakergambrel136]

I’m a crafter and I was born in 1957. I grew up admiring Norman Rockwell, he is my Rembrandt.

[@nicorose4814]

The absolute greatest of all time. I think 2020 would break his heart. Back when artists had to master their art.

[@rs91268]

Amen 🙏

[@SM2005_]

I couldn’t agree with you more. Sad sad times we now live in.

[@edfitz3765]

Although he painted through some terrible times, he chose to illustrate the best of those times. Yes, today is a mess. But I think he still would see and paint the positives even now.

[@janetking1239]

The quintisential artist-GOD made Norm!!!??? He painted and actually formed everything and everyone individual. He MADE And gave him his being, talent to show His handiwork in making This fantastic "piece 👍👌 of work" whom HE fashioned and formed. Glory to God 🙏!!! Thank-YOU JESUS 😇 CHRIST for Your Holy Spirit guiding this vessel to do he was created be.

[@lovingLOLA4ever]

2024 - I thank you deeply for this share! ❤

[@jeanneanderson6593]

Normal Rockwell deserves to stand with all the great painters. His only mistake is that he underestimated his talent.

[@andersonm3874]

Hello Jeanne how are you doing

[@tomb.8485]

The “art world” didn’t like that he sold his art for commercial profit. It was all those Saturday Evening Post covers that they didn’t like. I see it as pure jealousy.

[@susanhampton517]

I loved Norman Rockwell. He recorded a life which was like that of my parents, before the depression and after, they were the “Great Generation” and beloved.

[@rgs6236]

An amazing artist. I never get bored of his work. .... A real genius!

[@lindafurr2404]

Love Norman Rockwell paintings. They take me back to my childhood. Playing baseball, dreaming of hero’s, swimming in creeks and rivers, first dates and marriages, he captured America in a simpler more innocent time.

[@andersonm3874]

Hi how are you doing

[@NachoAE360]

His art style is intensely nostalgic and beautiful. I’ve always loved his art, it truly makes me nostalgic for times I did not get to experience and a different culture (being that I was born in 1995)

[@rinowx5]

So lovely to find this on his birthday. The stories and visions shared through his artwork are so beautiful, inspiring, and sincere. This was amazing, thank you. 😊

[@Juandiego01xD]

I wasn't born in the USA, but I love Norman Rockwell due to his entire and truly description of people of the USA. Rockwell is a painter from Quatrocentto, but borned in the 20th Century

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

I don't think it was mythical, it was how childhood felt, back in the 50s and 60s. Of course we had bad happen. That's just part of life, but he captured what I felt like, going to the dentist, losing my first tooth, trying to tiptoe past my big brother, sleeping on the stairs, to see if Santa had come, playing in the snow, my first day at school. He captured what childhood felt like. I can look at his pictures, and remember what the last day of school felt like, the possibility of Summer. Not mythical at all.

[@stephaniealexander3314]

Norman Rockwell....captured AMERICA....THE AMERICAN TIMES... our everyday life... the very essence of what IS AMERICAN! It’s all about... the family down the block... the kids being tucked into sleep by their parents... swimming in the lake...thanksgiving day dinner! THANK YOU NORMAN ROCKWELL for your wonderful paintings that GAVE soo much to our BEAUTIFUL AMERICA!💗❤️💜👏👏👏

[@jlh6452]

I only wish he had lived to paint a Trump rally - and entitled it "The Deplorables"

[@tappetovolanteviaggi8808]

Got it Stephanie, when I go to Usa or think about it sometimes I find it similar to a Rockwell's painting, the american calm, smiling, cozy way of life

[@escarlit]

thank god you're here. the lack of critical thought in these parts is astounding.

[@escarlit]

Big Wee Wee Man i was replying to phil

[@jimmybrown8783]

Beautiful portraits of Norman Rockwell paintings these portraits will forever live on in our memory. One of my favorite is the one where family sitting at the Thanksgiving table with grandma and grandpa.❤💗💖🧡🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😊🤗😁😋😎🙂😀😄 HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[@jukes243]

I have always loved Norman Rockwell. Thank you for the warmth and joy you brought/still bring to our hearts, Mr. Rockwell.

[@sac1303]

A truly brilliant artist. Thank you for your beautiful paintings, Norman Rockwell. R.I.P.

[@SpiritBear12]

I wish they would stop saying what he painted was a lie. They were not lies. It was not his fault when the editors of magazines would not let him paint black people and what was going on in those days or anything else they wanted to shy away from. He was pretty darn real and a deep thinker. He was a human being living on the same planet as the rest of us. The scenes he painted may have been what he wanted America to be like, and it is at times. There are nice and innocent times in pretty much every one's life. What he illustrated was what most people wish they had, at least some of the time, and there's nothing wrong with that. They might give us a reason to strive for them. The young girl sitting on a foot stool in her slip looking at herself in a mirror with a glamour magazine on her lap with almost a forlorn look on her face. It represents what most girls do go through something like that when beginning adolescence. They admire the beauty of celebrities and wonder if they will ever look like them, and most figure they never will but wish it to be. I think Rockwell is saying, "Though you wish to be pretty when you grow up, you are pretty now. Love yourself for who you are!" That's real! There has always been negativity all around us since the beginning of time. Though you can't go through life with your head in the sand in an attempt to ignore the ugly aspects of life, you shouldn't immerse yourself in it either. You have to focus on the good too. I think most of Rockwell's paintings give us a respite from the negative, ugly and disparaging things in life. They give us a mental and spiritual break once in a while. We all wish things would be just a little bit nicer.

[@Missycrissy323]

Yes, you summed up my thoughts perfectly. He captured the beauty, the spirit and the hope we all share as mankind. We relate so much to his art because in them, we see ourselves at our best and happiest moments in time. I think many can relate to these images, so although they show us at our best, our most cherished memories and the feelings they conjure are certainly not a lie.

[@deboraholsen2504]

So well said by both of you. ...Thank you for sharing your thoughts. :)

[@jeffwads]

Just ignore them. They mean absolutely zero to his legacy.

[@deerinheadlights100]

You shouldn’t HAVE to paint anything.

[@deerinheadlights100]

@Dick Blather that is ideological claptrap.

[@1mespud]

Thak you, NORMAN ROCKWELL for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent.

[@louise-yo7kz]

Rockwell's work gives you a warm peaceful easy feeling.

[@SuperSarandipity]

What a wonderful documentary and his feeling that being "just and illustrator' and not a 'fine artist...it really touched me...his work is so ...the dream of all of us to have all that joy, those moments of it that he captures...certainly 'a fine artist.

[@thepearlatelier4256]

i love Norman Rockwell, all his paintings were so beautifully done and nostalgic in feel.

[@timbrady6473]

Rockwell brought and brings incalculable joy to people everywhere....critics are the bane of everyone not just the artist, they are the bullies of thought,employees of the dark .

[@andersonm3874]

Hello how are you doing

[@Archer335]

It is ironic that Mr. Rockwell did not think of himself as an artist, because he was most definitely an artist of the highest order. He brought the canvas to life. We see ourselves in his depictions. I’d rather have a Rockwell painting on my wall than most Picassos. And I’m surely glad that he was an American living in the first three quarters of the 20th century. What a treasure that man was.

[@yadigjamesgang-xs7jj]

Rockwell could show you more about yourself than any fool like Picasso could ever hope to scrape off of a brush.

[@wonderrob3225]

Mr Rockwell ( a genius) only meant to say that he was a commercial artist. His images were made to serve a narrative or marketing purpose for Coca Cola ,Saturday evening post etc... Picasso is among the greatest artistic innovators of his century and his art is often About ART itself . i have made my way in life as an artist for many years and i love both Picasso and Rockwell and have made art for money for commercial purpose and I have made art that I do not care if anyone likes it.

[@Archer335]

wonder rob, Your assertion of Picasso’s status as an artist is unassailable. However, he most certainly was a genius and one of the greatest innovators in the entire history of art - not just his century. This does not alter the subjective concept of aesthetic perfection - a wholly individual matter. I’m sure that as a lifelong artist that you must understand the subjective nature of the entire subject. Individuals are constructed spiritually and mentally in certain ways, exposed to certain stimuli, and have certain expectations of what true beauty is; for example, the philistine as opposed to the highly cultured individual, to cite both ends of a continuum. Comparing Picasso to Rockwell is sort of like comparing deconstructivism to mid-century modern in architecture, respectively. I don’t care for deconstructivism, even though I know that the architects who design such buildings know precisely what they are doing and do it well. I would take mid-century modern any day because it is what I expect from a home and what I find aesthetically pleasing. In other words, sure, Picasso knew what he was doing and was brilliant at it. I just don’t care for a lot of it. This is not, ultimately, a value judgment beyond my own preferences. I find that Rockwell’s works agree with my own concepts of aesthetic ideals. I also like the works of artists like Donald Purdy, David A. Lefel, Monet, Degas, and Kandinsky.

[@wonderrob3225]

@@Archer335 You are exactly right too that you get to decide what art speaks to you or pleases you. The few times I've seen Rockwell originals , I spent my time staring into them trying to understand the techniques he used . He's so skillful and professional ( which came from constant work) that his paintings look like magic tricks made them.

[@Archer335]

wonder rob, Thank you. Also, I have never been so fortunate as to be able to view a Rockwell original in person. I envy you! Perhaps I shall rectify that situation some day. All the best.

[@suzanneboily5224]

Every thing he did looks so real and we feel it in our hearts . No matter how many times you watch it it affects you it touches your heart always. the best in this big world.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@juliemullen365]

I wish this documentary never ended ❤

[@betsylewis5904]

Wonderful......very enjoyable and it touches my heart. Wish I could go back in time when things were simpler or at least that's the way it seemed.

[@fsbirdhouse]

Norman Rockwell was all about growing up in mid twentieth century America. He painted/illustrated the very best of America. He illustrated MY America. Looking back on growing up, I imagine he was at my elbow every day. At every event. He saw and painted every good and decent bit of American life whether you were a kid, or an adult. When the last vestiges of that America are at last gone. We will not see the like again.

[@alexcarter8807]

I'm just old enough to have seen a bit of that America and it was really great.

[@simonjohnston9488]

You're utterly deluded, and clearly have no idea what he was painting and why.

[@edfitz3765]

@@simonjohnston9488 No need to be unkind.

[@JackPytko]

@@simonjohnston9488 Can you explain what he was painting and why?

[@1oldedog82]

Norman's attention to the Golen Rule activated my recall of why I've always sensed a dignity to his humor, he never laughed at them but he had us laughing with them. The best medicine, thanx.

[@Caban1970]

His paintings looked like photographs. What a talented man he was.

[@nohanabil8754]

راااااءع زمن الجمال والهدوء والرقي من أرقى الفنون الرسم شكرا لكل من ابدعوا وفرحونا انا لغاية الآن مهما كبرت في العمر ابحث على أي رسوم سواء كريسماس أو قصص عائلية افرح كثيرا عندما أجدها بالرسوم