Wednesday, February 3, 2010

** Norman Rockwell **

Today is the anniversary of Norman Rockwell's birth. He was born on February 3, 1894 in New York City. What an immense talent he had, and how fortunate we are because he shared it with the world. I've been a fan of his for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've purchased coffee mugs, note cards, Christmas cards....maybe even a deck of playing cards.....all with his beautiful and delightful drawings on them.

Sometime soon after September 11, 2001, I came across the charming collector's plate: "Freedom from Want". I don't remember if I saw it in a store or online, but it immediately offered such a sense of nostalgia and hope and goodness, that I knew I had to buy it. I hung it in our dining room and it was the perfect image
for our Thanksgiving dinner that year. When discussing it with one of my daughters-in-law, she said she knew instantly what gifts to buy me for Christmas and upcoming birthday. Below are all four of the "Freedom" plates. From top left: Freedom from Want & Freedom of Speech. From below left: Freedom from Fear & Freedom of Worship.

(photo taken by Becky 2/3/10)

In honor of Mr. Rockwell, I promise to stop & admire these plates more, instead of just passing them as I walk by, going about my daily chores. Happy Birthday, Mr. Rockwell. You have enriched my life!

"The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back." -- Norman Rockwell

7 comments:

  1. I have always loved Norman Rockwell's work, Becky. Very talented. Nice post!

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  2. Thanks, Daisy! I appreciate it!

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  3. My son asked me who Rockwell was this morning when he saw that he was featured on Google.

    Last week I saw a show that visited the Rockwell museum. It was fascinating to see how he worked.

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  4. I adore Norman Rockwell's work. It's real, authentic, and just plain pleasant to see.

    I'm not into the modern, impressionistic stuff. To me, a painting should actually look like what it represents!

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  5. Hi Janel and Pat! I've loved Norman Rockwell ever since I was a little girl. I guess I saw the Saturday Evening Post covers. And I agree, Pat, I want a painting to look almost like a photograph!

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  6. Nice new photo, Becky.

    I appreciate Normal Rockwell too and have just recently subscirbed to the Satruday Evening Post to catch some of that Rockwell flavor I hope, even though minus his covers.

    Several years ago we made a trip to Rockwell's home areas in Vermont. Lovely places. Covered bridges that looked like he had painted them there for us.

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  7. Hi Claudia! Thank you! Oh how wonderful to visit that part of the country! I've always wanted to be in New England during autumn! Enjoy your subscription to the Post!

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I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.