Norman Rockwell: Pictures for the American People

Rating:
Summary: Is He a "Serious" Artist or "Just and Illustrator"?
Review: Anyone who has wondered (even remotely) about Norman Rockwell's place in the World of Art will enjoy this book. In addition to 80 beautiful color reproductions of Rockwell's paintings, there are 14 essays about the artist and his work. The authors of these essays acknowledge that Rockwell was an anachronism and, to most people in the Art World, an object of derision. But each essay argues in favor of Rockwell's importance by focusing on one or more of his unique talents.

In "the Great Art Communicator", Thomas Hoving makes a very convincing case for Rockwell as an influential American artist. Rockwell's son Peter's essay entitled "Some Comments from the Boy in the Dining Car" (referring to the painting for which he was used as the model when he was a boy) offers invaluable insights into what the artist himself thought about his work. There is also an essay by Anne Knutson that tells the fascinating story of the Saturday Evening Post, its importance in the definition of "Americanism" and how Rockwell's relationship with the editor influenced his work.

The debate about Norman Rockwell's place in the history of art will undoubtedly continue. But as Laurie Norton Moffatt sums up in her essay "The People's Painter": "The personal transformation and communication that occurs when one looks at a work of art is the artist's defining moment. Rockwell was a master of delivering that moment to his public."

Rating:
Summary: Is He a "Serious" Artist or "Just and Illustrator"?
Review: Anyone who has wondered (even remotely) about Norman Rockwell's place in the World of Art will enjoy this book. In addition to 80 beautiful color reproductions of Rockwell's paintings, there are 14 essays about the artist and his work. The authors of these essays acknowledge that Rockwell was an anachronism and, to most people in the Art World, an object of derision. But each essay argues in favor of Rockwell's importance by focusing on one or more of his unique talents.

In "the Great Art Communicator", Thomas Hoving makes a very convincing case for Rockwell as an influential American artist. Rockwell's son Peter's essay entitled "Some Comments from the Boy in the Dining Car" (referring to the painting for which he was used as the model when he was a boy) offers invaluable insights into what the artist himself thought about his work. There is also an essay by Anne Knutson that tells the fascinating story of the Saturday Evening Post, its importance in the definition of "Americanism" and how Rockwell's relationship with the editor influenced his work.

The debate about Norman Rockwell's place in the history of art will undoubtedly continue. But as Laurie Norton Moffatt sums up in her essay "The People's Painter": "The personal transformation and communication that occurs when one looks at a work of art is the artist's defining moment. Rockwell was a master of delivering that moment to his public."

Rating:
Summary: "Rockwell" The Essence of Art!
Review: I received Pictures for the American People as a Christmas gift and was delighted at the exquisite art as the pages unfolded. I collect all sorts of Rockwell works and this is truly the best I've seen. It explores not only the paintings, but what is behind them, the man himself. I felt as though I was being introduced to Mr. Rockwell through this masterpiece. It is a MUST BUY book! Even if you have never experienced one of his books or paintings, you will want to open this book again and again. The images are displayed in such detail and the stories behind them tell so much. You will be captured by the different aspects of art once you have seen what is inside. I will not spoil all this book has to offer, so if you haven't already purchased a copy, do so....or put it on your Wish List. You'll be happy that you did!

Rating:
Summary: "Rockwell" The Essence of Art!
Review: I received Pictures for the American People as a Christmas gift and was delighted at the exquisite art as the pages unfolded. I collect all sorts of Rockwell works and this is truly the best I've seen. It explores not only the paintings, but what is behind them, the man himself. I felt as though I was being introduced to Mr. Rockwell through this masterpiece. It is a MUST BUY book! Even if you have never experienced one of his books or paintings, you will want to open this book again and again. The images are displayed in such detail and the stories behind them tell so much. You will be captured by the different aspects of art once you have seen what is inside. I will not spoil all this book has to offer, so if you haven't already purchased a copy, do so....or put it on your Wish List. You'll be happy that you did!

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: In a world that is completely inundated with so many Norman Rockwell books, I thought that i would never buy another one. I'm an artist and fan of Rockwell's but quite frankly there are so many other great illustrators out there, at times i wish that fewer books were written about Rockwell and more attention was given to other less known American artists like James Montgomery Flagg, F.R. Gruger, J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle and Harvey Dunn, among many others. Then this book came along. I told myself I didn't want to buy it, I already have four books on Rockwell, I certainly don't need another. Then I opened the book and saw that the quality of the prints in this book are outstanding (the best I've seen) and the text is really informative. Now I'm telling myself THIS will be the last book I buy on Rockwell. This book will give you a new appreciation for Rockwell's skill as a painter and a colorist. After seeing these painting in person for the show that this book was written for, I can say that this book does justice to Rockwell's amazing talent.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: This book is comprised of articles about Norman Rockwell and his career as an illustrator with the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell remains a controversial figure in the art world. Although his illustrations were enjoyed by millions of Americans, they were dismissed by art critics and academia as amateurish.

Rockwell portrayed Americans in their daily, mundane activities. He believed that there is beauty in the ordinary. He depicted for example, a couple obtaining a marriage license, a family going and returning from a vacation, and a barbershop quartet.

Rockwell's illustrations did intersect with the world of politics. Because the Saturday Evening Post had a large circulation, he was able to influence public opinion. He designed several covers during World War II, including Rosie the Riveter and the Four Freedoms, to honor the contributions of civilians and to remind Americans of the reason for the war.

Rockwell did not shy from controversy. As America became engulfed in the Civil Rights Movement, Rockwell depicted the ongoing legacy of racial tension. His most famous illustration in the area of civil rights is The Problem We All Live With, which depicts the traumatic effects of desegregation on whites and blacks.

In summary, Norman Rockwell must be include as a figure in American art. Although his works were harshly criticized by those in the art world, they were admired by the general public. Today, scholars have begun to acknowledge Rockwell as being an important artist.

Rating:
Summary: Norman Rockwell is an unappreciated artist.
Review: This book is comprised of articles about Norman Rockwell and his career as an illustrator with the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell remains a controversial figure in the art world. Although his illustrations were enjoyed by millions of Americans, they were dismissed by art critics and academia as amateurish.

Rockwell portrayed Americans in their daily, mundane activities. He believed that there is beauty in the ordinary. He depicted for example, a couple obtaining a marriage license, a family going and returning from a vacation, and a barbershop quartet.

Rockwell's illustrations did intersect with the world of politics. Because the Saturday Evening Post had a large circulation, he was able to influence public opinion. He designed several covers during World War II, including Rosie the Riveter and the Four Freedoms, to honor the contributions of civilians and to remind Americans of the reason for the war.

Rockwell did not shy from controversy. As America became engulfed in the Civil Rights Movement, Rockwell depicted the ongoing legacy of racial tension. His most famous illustration in the area of civil rights is The Problem We All Live With, which depicts the traumatic effects of desegregation on whites and blacks.

In summary, Norman Rockwell must be include as a figure in American art. Although his works were harshly criticized by those in the art world, they were admired by the general public. Today, scholars have begun to acknowledge Rockwell as being an important artist.