Talk:Norman Rockwell

Biography assessment rating comment

WikiProject Biography Summer 2007 Assessment Drive

The article may be improved by following the WikiProject Biography 11 easy steps to producing at least a B article. -- Yamara 23:34, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

Know

Sheryleryl (talk) 22:55, 9 September 2017 (UTC)

Major Works

I don't know how the list of Rockwell's major works is determined, but I've been to the Stockbridge Museum many times, I own and have read virtually every book published on Rockwell and I have never seen the Judy Garland painting. It is nowhere to be found on google images or the internet. I have seen images of a couple thousand Rockwell paintings. A few hundred at least would be considered without question to be more significant than his portrait of Judy Garland. It is probably listed in Moffatt's catalogue of Rockwell's work. As far as I know Rockwell would not have considered this work of any particular importance and no one else is likely to even be aware of it, so there's absolutely NO reason this should be considered one of Rockwell's major works, even if he did do it in the late 60's. He did a number of great works in the late 60's or early 70's. There is no reason to reference a painting like this in the Rockwell biography article.

• • The Garland painting was unveiled by Rockwell on Television and he gave a lengthy interview about it at the time - he spoke of the composition and of Garland's 'winsome' face and that he doanted the picture to the Motion Picture Nursing Home where it currently hangs - I do not think anyone can say what Mr Rockwell considered an importnat work or what he didn't - this beautiful picture is in a private collection and for that reason has not like the vast majority of his work (other than illustrations and Magazine covers) been widely circulated - I beleive that given the ongoing popularity and classic nature of the Wizard of Oz film and Garland herself - that it is reasonable to acknowledge that he painted her as her name and image as Dorothy the "All American Kansas Farm Girl" is more relevant or appropriate to list in the article than some politicians whose names are not known or even remembered by the American Public and are not part of the "Americana" culture that NR was so keen to promote and memorialise - the portrait of Garland is a hidden treasure and I am sure if it ever is displayed would become instantly one of his most popular works. However I acknowledge that wikipedia is very much down to individual's opinions on what stays in or is removed from articles and I have no desire to debate the issue - you don't think it is relevant as you are a NR expert and I think it is very approprioate due to the ongoing poularity of the subject, Mr Rockwell's style and links to American culture of which Garland and teh film are well imbedded - the picture does exist and the NR Museum is aware of it but I am not going to get into an editing war over it.86.12.250.117 19:43, 27 November 2006 (UTC)

• • • "No one else is likely to even be aware of it," that is no reason to delete the reference as isn't this type of articel an overview of individual's accomplishments and work? - as referenced in the above post, in my opinion Garland portrayed in the Wizard of Oz whether a 'major' work or not is an appropriate reference as much as any other individual mentioned in the article - perhaps more so. I have checked with the Museum and they are aware of the piece and have told me that it was reproduced in a publication only once - but that does not lessen its value or importance see the text of an email sent from the NR Museum in reply to my query:

Dear Inquirer: Thank you for your recent e-mail and your interest in the works of Norman Rockwell.

Yes, Mr. Rockwell painted the portrait of Judy Garland as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz". It was done in l969 and is now in the collection of the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital. It was reproduced in the DES MOINES SUNDAY REGISTER on March l5th, l970.

I am sorry we have never had a print of this work. You might want to contact the DES MOINES SUNDAY REGISTER to see if they can help you find a copy.

Sincerely,

P Anthony Researcher

86.12.250.117 07:56, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Artist or illustrator

Rockwell considered himself to be an illustrator rather than an artist; of course this relates to the heart of the "what is art?" arguement which will not be solved by Wikipeida or anywhere else.

It would be very nice to see a more detailed mention of his relationship with the Boy Scouts such as his illustrating several of their Handbooks, especially the covers, and some of his famous scouting-related works. He was long-gone from the Boy's Life that I remember, but the other artwork was still around. Rlquall 18:53, 24 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Yes, this is needed. Basically, Rockwell got hired on as an illustrator for Boys' Life (covers and interior illustrations), and later became art director. This helped him get jobs at Saturday Evening Post, etc. Later on, he did the calenders, first as a 'thank you' for the BSA giving him his first job. Actually, most of the handbook covers (and Boys' Life covers) were really just reprints of his calender work. Only one Scout Handbook cover was original. --Emb021 21:38, 12 January 2006 (UTC)

Terms like "patriotic" and "commericial" are really loaded when discussing the nature of an artist's work, so I took 'em out of the first para. While some of his paintings were commercial, and some of his paintings were patriotic, it doesn't reflect the body of his work accurately, and the debate over Rockwell's merits are covered nicely further down in the critique section, where it's appropriate.

Some artistic historians call him a Contract Artist, for he didn't do much actually illustration during his Satuday Evening Post time. (yes i do know he did work on several major story, such as Tom Saywer.)—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 86.168.6.101 (talk) 10:42, 8 October 2009 (UTC)

Quote:

He is called an "illustrator" instead of an artist by some critics, a designation he did not mind, as it was what he called himself.

The way this is worded makes it sound like "illustrator" is inherently inferior (he 'didn't mind' being called an illustrator - personally, I'm proud to be called an illustrator!). While I'm sure that is what the critics are meaning, I feel the sentence could be rephrased. But I really can't figure out how to do so! 86.168.6.101 (talk) 10:42, 8 October 2009 (UTC)

Leyendecker?

This man was Rockwell's hero and a huge influence on his artwork. Should be mentioned somewhere.

Illustrators and Artists

For illustrators, the visual picture is a mere example of a verbal concept. If a mere word were to be displayed, it would serve the same purpose as a visual picture. The picture is a kind of hieroglyph.

For artists, on the contrary, the visual picture is the main element. Verbal concepts have little or no importance. 205.188.116.68 02:42, 16 September 2005 (UTC)Braithwaite Prendergast

Hmmmm... I agree that for illustrators the verbal concept is important. But if we felt a mere word being displayed served the same purpose, why would we bother illustrating? Personally I feel the illustrator is the servant of the text. The text is the most important thing, but the illustration adds to it (except in a picture book or greetings card, where they can be equal, or the picture be more important). On the other hand, for the artist, the picture is all there is. It's what's important.86.168.6.101 (talk) 10:47, 8 October 2009 (UTC)

Choice of Images

Of all the many stunning images of Rockwell's work that could be shown in the article, we have, instead, two views of the exterior of his studio.Lestrade 22:17, 8 April 2006 (UTC)Lestrade

Very good point. Can anyone post some examples of his art? Possibly a progression of his works?

Rockwell's paintings are copyrighted material. At best, we might post photos of magazines with his art on the cover. --Tysto 15:57, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Warriors don't cry

One painting that should be included here is "the Problem we all live with." Art critic Richard Lacayo praised it highly. Das Baz 16:15, 27 September 2006 (UTC) Lacayo says that Rockwell "brings such a hard-lit, neoclassical calm to this moment that the remnants of a tomato smashed against the wall behind her are more shocking than a pool of blood." (Richard Lacayo, Time, December 6, 1999)Das Baz 15:48, 28 September 2006 (UTC)

I added some more representative images in, including this one. - AKeen 07:20, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Help

As someone allready may have noticed, someones edit in somekind of "I Heart Someone" text into the article, im new to Wkipedia and aint good at stuff, so please, someone more talented please take care of this

Spouses

The names of his spouses in the sidebar are links to the article "wife" and not articles on those individuals. If someone really doesn't know what a spouse is shouldn't "spouse" be the text linked tothe wife article and not the individuals' names? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 69.149.77.129 (talk) 05:39, 30 March 2007 (UTC).

Norman Rockwell: Art Deco?

I am totally mystified by the statement that some consider Rockwell's work to be part of the Art Deco movement. This is so odd a claim that I motion that it be removed from the article, unless textual citations can be found.Writtenright 02:42, 4 April 2007 (UTC)Writtenright

Agreed. I've removed the entire sentence, which is superfluous, anyway. JNW 03:34, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Mary's Death

Judging from recent edits, there seems to be some confusion when Mary died. I personally found two contradicting articles on the net, viz.:

"Later, in 1953, his wife Mary died unexpectedly, which resulted in Rockwell taking time off to grieve." [1]

and

"Mary died in 1959 and a lonely Rockwell remarried in 1961." [2]

Anyone have an authoritative date? Orpheus82 02:36, 24 May 2007 (UTC)

Spam

I've removed a substantial build-up of spam, most of it connected to one site which merchandises Rockwell memorabilia. If we wish to have links to his images, then non-commercial sites can be used. JNW 22:05, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

The first three external links connect to sites that actually really are really commercial sites. Where they really do actually sell and license stuff. Why are those links still here? One would think they would have been removed in 2 years time.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.6.220.183 (talk) 18:02, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Removed these and several others. As with many articles, there is a continuous addition of commercial links that needs to be addressed periodically. Thanks, JNW (talk) 18:29, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Addition of Album cover

There is no reference in the article to Rockwell's work as an album cover artist, in fact this is the only example I know; I've added it as readers may not be aware of this side of his work. --Rodhullandemu 08:09, 25 September 2007 (UTC)

Projector

He used a projector that would project an image on to the wall. You could take a solid piece of paper and put it in the machine. The name starts with a B. Anyone know the name of this machine? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.148.49.221 (talk) 19:00, 10 February 2008 (UTC)

(New discussions go at the bottom; click on the + tab to start a new discussion) Bausch & Lomb "Balopticon" --— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 19:12, 10 February 2008 (UTC)

Personal interviews and voice recordings as valid references

Hi everyone, I've began my own quest to talk to artists, and attend live discussions about art and artists. I was wondering if Wikipedia accepts citations from recorded interviews? If so, how does one present it as a reference? Thanks for your advice -- Marcuslim (talk) 01:34, 15 April 2008 (UTC)

Mediums Used?

Does anyone have a list of his preferred mediums? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.9.59.249 (talk) 03:39, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

File:Save Freedom of Speech.png

Hi, I just listed File:Save Freedom of Speech.png used in this article at WP:PUI because someone changed the tagging to claim the image is in the public domain; I hope you'll join the discussion. Unfortunately, in order to not be deleted as a result of that if the result is "non-free", it will need a fair use rationale written for the articles it is used in; I'd do it myself but I'm not really familiar enough with the image to know what specifically the rationale is. Anomie⚔ 20:25, 13 June 2009 (UTC)

The image is not public domain. It is owned and licensed by Curtis Publishing. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.6.220.183 (talk) 18:24, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Suggested venture with Al Capp

The following sourced passage was recently introduced:

Shortly after the war, Rockwell was contacted by writer Elliott Caplin, brother of cartoonist Al Capp, with the suggestion that the three of them should make a daily comic strip together, with Caplin and his brother writing and Rockwell drawing. King Features Syndicate is reported to have promised a $1,000/week deal, knowing that a Capp-Rockwell collaboration would gain public interest. However, the project was ultimately aborted as it turned out that Rockwell, known for his perfectionism as an artist, could not deliver material as fast as required of him for a daily comic strip.

It's interesting, but notwithstanding the connection to Capp, it's a rather trivial occurrence in Rockwell's life. Discussion welcome. 99.155.206.57 (talk) 16:08, 29 November 2009 (UTC)

I think it's fine, esp because of the perfectionism part. — Rlevse • Talk • 16:13, 29 November 2009 (UTC)

Great addition. Very thought–provoking.Lestrade (talk) 16:22, 29 November 2009 (UTC)Lestrade

Religion?

Is he jewish? Rockwell isnt actually a jewish name but it can be. Anyone got a source on his beliefs? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Samanthacohen (talk • contribs) 04:51, 3 February 2010 (UTC)

NO. Read the article and start googling St. John's, Wilmot. A source is needed but there is nothing to indicate that he is Jewish.Cptnono (talk) 05:46, 7 February 2010 (UTC)

Then there's no more reason to presume he wasn't than that he was, now is there? 76.113.64.124 (talk) 20:24, 8 September 2010 (UTC)

According to a biographer, he religious background was not Jewish: [3] JNW (talk) 21:55, 8 September 2010 (UTC)

Poor editing

It ia i suppose OK to lock the 'pedia aginst vandalism, but my slef appointed task is to correct the thousands of typos that abound in it. I'm only talking about gross errors like this on ehere:

"given smaller,little less important" should read "given smaller, little less important", but I can't edit it.

It matters, Spelling, ytpos and bad punctuation, eccentric English from non-native speakers who have no idea of wiki language abound.

So bits could be corrected authomatically with a simple editorial too as in openoffice.

a) why isn't it done.

b) how can people like me who spend a lot of time doing this sort of thing get the powers to be properly recognised for what we do? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.125.3.93 (talk) 06:02, 3 February 2010 (UTC)

"how can people like me who spend a lot of time doing this sort of thing get the powers to be properly recognised for what we do?" - by registering with a username (click this text to learn more). Because most of the vandalism to articles is done by unregistered users, some articles that have suffered repeated vandalism are locked so that only registered users can edit them.Mmyers1976 (talk) 21:52, 31 October 2013 (UTC)

Another example of poor editing: "In 1943, during the Second World War, Rockwell painted the Four Freedoms series, which was completed in seven months and resulted in his losing 15 pounds." A little tweaking and it could be in a Zippy the Pinhead word balloon. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.12.186.208 (talk) 15:22, 3 February 2010 (UTC)

Google hompeage pic of Norman Rockwell/Request for semiprotection

Of course on Google, on the front page, it shows a pic from Norman Rockwell. Once clicked on the pic, it shows the link to the Wikipedia article of him at the top. This could be an easy target for vandalism. I would request semiprotection of the article right away. RYAN 3000 (talk) 14:11, 3 February 2010 (UTC)

Lots of vandalism

This isn't really a question or issue with the information in the article, but I have noticed that this article was vandalized about 10 times in the past month (mostly by IPs, of course). Can anyone think of a reason why Norman Rockwell is the victim of so much vandalism, and maybe a solution to slow down the amount of vandalism the article receives? —Reelcheeper (talk) 22:44, 3 December 2010 (UTC)

Vandalism often comes from schoolchildren who have been compelled to study someone of significance, and vent their resentment for the compulsion upon the subject. Solution? Fix society so respect is reintroduced. Easy. 121.44.188.78 (talk) 07:45, 19 March 2016 (UTC)

Gallery

IMO the gallery and list of major works combined doesn't work. IMO the List of major works needs to be separated from a gallery of images, and IMO the gallery itself is unnecessary, although I have added it pending other opinions...Modernist (talk) 02:19, 11 February 2011 (UTC)

Norman Rockwell and American Apartheid-A Painfully Neglected Topic

Norman Rockwell did have a conscience when it came to racism in America. He recognized and tried to demonstrate its existence. He wanted to display works that included the presence of brown and black-skinned people in his work, but was told that this would only be allowed if the images were derogatory and he, Rockwell, showed them in a submissive manner. This is the same as it is on television and mainstream media today. Hollywood producers and writers only support works that show stereotypical myths, one-dimensional characterizations and demeaning presentations of Africans and African-Americans in particular today. This has been conveniently left out of the article as usual. The Washington Post ran a nice article about this topic this year and of course it was marginalized to avoid bringing the light of day to this horrific and vile continuation of Jim Crow in post 9-11 America. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lookbackandlearn (talk • contribs) 16:28, 5 July 2011 (UTC)

You wish racism to go on forever. Without it your hatred has no meaning. There have been great strides to combat racism in the USA and you fight against them. For shame. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 50.32.7.207 (talk) 21:01, 30 July 2011 (UTC)

photograph technique?

i could be mistaken, but i read, then re-viewed the article, and there seems to be no reference here to rockwell's use of photographs when creating his works. i was curious to know just what his method was, just how he used the photos, some of which i was just looking at in the catalog for sotheby's up-coming auction of american art in dec 2013. if i missed something, i'm sorry, but if there's indeed no reference here to the photos, something fundamental is missing and the omission needs immediate correcting. 63.142.146.194 (talk) 02:17, 27 November 2013 (UTC)

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Editing, someone?

This article is so clumsily written. No doubt by a sincere admirer, but author they ain't. There are more textual infelicities than I can list. For the love of Norman, can someone with the wit and sagacity and ability of a Harold Ross fix it? I just don't have the time - or the patience. Today's hit-and-whatever prose vexes me beyond words. Almost. 121.44.188.78 (talk) 07:52, 19 March 2016 (UTC)

"SSDI" reference

§ Early life includes the following sentence and references:

He had one brother, Jarvis Waring Rockwell, Jr., older by a year and a half.

References

The second reference may be intended as a reference to Social Security Disability Insurance records, but it's no help at all. --Thnidu (talk) 23:57, 1 April 2017 (UTC)

Rockwell

He's nice... Sheryleryl (talk) 22:54, 9 September 2017 (UTC)

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Boy's Life B/W cover

The very first image in this article of a Rockwell painting is a Boy's Life cover reproduced (badly) in black and white, even though the actual cover was in color. Color images of that cover are readily available and there should be no copyright issue in this context. 2A02:AA1:1005:E776:583A:2CEA:49A2:57D (talk) 19:14, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

Commons has a color version, which I put in place of the B&W. Please let me know if that's not OK. Ann O'Dine (talk) — Preceding undated comment added 23:48, 14 May 2023 (UTC)