"While I sketched and Brad snapped, the Senator worked on me." Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) Charcoal on paper. Story illustration for "I Paint the Candidates," Look magazine, October 20, 1964. Norman Rockwell Licensing Company, Niles, IL.
Norman Rockwell’s working methods utilized photography as a tool to facilitate the composition, poses, speed and perspectives he achieved in his work. Controversial discussion continues about the long lineage of artists who deployed photography as an aid in painting. Artists have always created studies for their works. Traditional drawings, or cartoons, as these large graphic sketches are known in Europe, are as time-honored as final paintings. Tapestry makers created tapestries from these drawings. Film makers create story boards with sketches of their scenes, and then sometimes use still photography to capture and witness lighting or an angle. Sculptors sketch, and create maquettes before sculpting the finished work. Artists find all kinds of inventive and creative ways to aid in the production and creation of their work. Photography is another such tool.
It’s fascinating to see how the controversy about this idea continues to swirl. On wonders what the origins of the dividing line between “fine art” and “commercial art” were. As a commercial artist, I enjoy the relationship between my work and its value today, as well as the pressure to create and the interplay of inspiration and requirements that the work calls for. I’ve found this exhibit to be a really fascinating glimpse into Rockwell’s creative brain and I respect the discipline and technique he brought to the work for such a long time. In the current discussion about “what art is” I’m compelled to believe that technique and execution are always valuable measures of the skill, dedication and artistry of the creative mind.
I saw a biography by VOA news .it was about Norman Rockwell .It was so fantastic.Now Im really happy to know him.