Norman Rockwell, born in New York City February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978.
To millions, Norman Rockwell was the reigning illustrator of small-town America, the friendly chronicler of warm, homey, often humorous events that made middle Americans proud to be what they were.

He began his art career at the age of seventeen when he worked for a New York publishing firm where he illustrated children's books. When he was twenty-one he worked as an illustrator for a boys magazine, for which his duties included illustrating the cover of the monthly issue and two stories, as well as performing the duties of art editor. Finally, he was advised by his co-worker, Clyde Forsythe, to depict everyday people doing everyday things in attempting to get his work on the cover of "The Saturday Evening Post." Rockwell took his work to Philadelphia to meet with the editor of the magazine, and his journey was a success. His first cover appeared on "The Post" on May 20, 1916. Since then, more than two-hundred of his covers have appeared on "The Post."

Norman Rockwell inherited his artistic talent from his father who was an amateur sketcher and cotton-goods merchant. Rockwell quit high school during his second year to go to the National Academy of Design. He also studied at the Art Student's League of New York, the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, Middlebury College in Vermont, and the University of Massachusetts in Boston where he received his M.A.

Norman Rockwell's characters in his artwork are so appealing, as they are painted with sympathy and humor. He prefers to paint the "Common Man," and "breathes" affection into his paintings, arousing affection in the heart of the beholder. Rockwell says of his work, "I guess I am a storyteller and although this may not be the highest form of art it is what I love to do," (Guptill xxi). Rockwell's paintings have an element of Americana as his characters silently pledge their faith in the promise of the country and its system under which they live and raise their families. In this way, Rockwell helps to make America conscious of its own "quiet strength."

Norman Rockwell spent the later part of his life living in Arlington, Vermont, which is where he got his models for his paintings. They were average, everyday individuals living in his town. He even had a wardrobe containing over two-hundred costumes which he used to garb his models. Rockwell painted his subjects, their garb, furnishings, etc. all from real life. This allowed him to compose the extremely detailed work for which he is well known. He would occasionally use the aid of photographs as well, which gave him the advantage of studying gesture and line captured at a particular moment. He utilized this information in his realistic works, which enable the viewer to sympathize with the common features and expressions of his subjects.

Norman Rockwell's works are on display in collections including: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.; the National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.. His works may also be seen in galleries nationwide. ...

(PLease Login to see the complete biography.)