In 1976, Norman Rockwell was requested to create a painting celebrating the 200th birthday of the United States of America. He was 82 years old at the time; however, you could never guess it by looking at what he painted. With a bit of wry humor, Rockwell created a painting of a seasoned artist who is commissioned to paint a simple “Happy Birthday” banner for the Liberty Bell. The artist with his expensive paint and brushes at this feet, aptly completes his simplistic post.
Look at Rockwell’s expert use of perspective, shading, light, and texturizing. The subject is equally creative. Photo provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — We would be remiss if we did not revisit the quintessential American artist for our Art in America series over the Fourth of July holiday. No artist before or after has been able to capture the American spirit so aptly. The artist is Norman Perceval Rockwell.

Darla McCammon and DeeAnna Muraski

He was born in New York City in February 1894 and passed away in Stockbridge, Mass., in November 1978. Rockwell was able to capture the human emotions of grief, resilience, hope, young love, tragedy, strength and the embodiment of Americans. Rockwell did it wryly, subtly and sometimes boldly. We could relate to his picture of the grieving stoic parents holding the perfectly folded triangular red, white and blue American flag, representing their deceased child, in their hands — the weight of which bowed their hearts. Or we could wish to be the saucy grandfather in his three-piece suit playing baseball with his blissfully happy grandchild as a cloud of dust kicks around their oblivious bodies.

In 1942, he depicted Abraham Lincoln presenting the Gettysburg Address, with the flag shielding Lincoln’s face from the hot sun. Shortly afterward in 1943, Rockwell painted, in oil, his famous “Freedom” series: “Freedom of Speech” showing a young common man courageously standing up to speak amongst a room of business suit-clad men; “Freedom From Fear” invites us into the bedroom of two young boys lovingly tucked into bed by mom and dad while dad loosely holds onto a newspaper with an alarming headline; “Freedom to Worship” reflects heavenly lighted faces in reverent prayer with hands clasped — and showing one man who chooses not to pray but allows others their worship; “Freedom from Want” is painted with the irony of a very simple meal of water, large turkey, a sparse amount of celery stalks, possibly potatoes and gravy tucked into a closed tureen and a small plate of cranberry sauce. However, it is not the abundance of food, of which there is not much for such a large gathering; but rather, it is the presence of family and laughter in the closeness of the home that satiates the need.

Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter” painted in 1943 displays a strong woman with head slightly upturned cradling a heavy, unwieldy riveting machine in her lap with a backdrop of the American flag gently waving. During the war, women picked up where they needed to in order to provide for their families and help with the war effort. This painting was iconic for its recognition and celebration of this necessity.

Rockwell frequently painted our military, all branches — sometimes even together as the importance of their service to our country was forefront of his patrons and most of Americans at that time. Since Rockwell served in the war, he had a first row seat to military life. Additionally, because he was considered a lightweight at 6 feet and 140 pounds, he had to fight to be allowed to enlist.

During World War II, Rockwell created an immediately endearing and relatable fictional every-man character: Willie Gillis. Rockwell allowed us to follow this young affable private throughout his military career, which doubtless infused the viewers with a sense of patriotism and buoyancy to face what may come.

Rockwell was endearing because he showcased everyone: the family man, the lineman, the loner, young lovers, old married couples, wistful girls, football heroes, circus clowns, jockeys, kids, runaways and even pets. Anyone could be in the spotlight with the curtain pulled back to help us relate to their viewpoint. Rockwell was also an ardent believer that our freedom and liberty were our most valuable possessions.

Rockwell’s painting content speaks to our hearts but his painting abilities are what help us see his vision. The movement Rockwell creates through a flag, the dirt smudges on a boy’s face, the intricate smocking on the shoulders of a shirt, the translucent glasses of water are extremely thought-out and lovingly imagined.

Rockwell was a genius at taking a blank canvas and creating amazing stories without a word.

Events

“Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom Virtual Exhibition.” You can watch this exhibit on your computer, mobile device or VR headset. Initial cost is $5, but the exhibit can be accessed anytime and anywhere as many times as you like. From the website: “The exhibit explores the history and enduring legacy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s concept of the Four Freedoms,” the speech that was the inspiration for Rockwell to paint the Four Freedoms. Visit the website: nrm.org/2024/02/virtual-exhibit.

Norman Rockwell Museum. Located at 9 Glendale Road, Route 183 in Stockbridge, Mass. The website recommends using their online map as GPS does not accurately depict the location. Approximately 760 miles or 11+ hours, almost directly east from Warsaw, via car. Children and active military may visit for free; adults, $25; seniors/retired military, $23. For an additional fee you can also tour his studio, get a guided tour or curator tour. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, except Wednesdays. See the website: nrm.org/visit

Warsaw City Hall. The current artist is Jackie Meier whose work includes vibrant and colorful landscapes and animals. City Hall is located at 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. The gallery is on the first floor and is handicapped accessible.
Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at [email protected].