A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- LET'S GIVE HIM ENOUGH AND ON TIME (1942)

It's time for another Rockwell Wednesday.  Here's one of Norman Rockwell's paintings that I have never seen before.  And it's done so well, I thought it was a photograph.

Many of Norman Rockwell's illustrations honored the dedication and sacrifice of America's military personnel.  During World War II, particularly, he used his skills to help unite citizens behind our armed forces.

Kathy

A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- SANTA PLANNING HIS ANNUAL VISIT (1926)

Hard to believe this was painted almost a hundred years ago.  Norman Rockwell's images will never go out of style.

Believe!  That is the message Norman Rockwell passionately delivered in his December 4, 1926 Christmas cover.  Santa's soft features, jolly nature, kindness, and wisdom are incredibly depicted in this illustration.  Rockwell's perspective makes the story so believable that even the most cynical will stop doubting -- at least for the season!

A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- LANDS OF ENCHANTMENT (1923)

I have found my Norman Rockwell calendars and have decided to revive my Rockwell Wednesdays.  This painting is titled "Lands of Enchantment" and being the book lover I am, is one of my favorites.

Rockwell had deep respect for the golden age of illustration when beautiful editions of Dante, Shakespeare, and Walter Scott were popular.  However, popular demand was changing, and readers were looking for humor and reader identification.  In this illustration, which appeared on the Post cover on November 10, 1923, Rockwell pays tribute to authors of the golden age with precise details in the castle, and he depicts modern illustration demands with the Walter Mitty reader. 

Kathy

Sunrise:  7:23 a.m.

Sunset:  4:49 p.m.

9 hours and 26 minutes of daylight

Sunny

Temperatures:  54*/27* 

A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- THE CORRECT TIME (1945)

Inspired by two massive timepieces located on the Loop in Chicago, Rockwell captures a moment when a repairman must climb a ladder and manually set the time, using his own pocket watch.  Usually, the clocks are corrected automatically every half hour by a master clock.  However, after a power failure they must be manually reset.  To this day, the extraordinary clocks are glanced at by people on the street below.

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I have not done a Rockwell Wednesday in a long time.  I have a few more to show you, so hopefully I will be all caught up by the end of the year.

Another busy day today.  I had trouble sleeping last night, so I kept dozing off during the day.  But I got a lot done.  Always more to do, though.

It was really hot today.  It got up to 86*F (30*C).  I wasn't out all that much although I should have been.  I must get out in the yard soon and clean things up for the winter.  Where to start though?  So much to get done.  With all this warm weather my geranium is about to bloom again.  It has gotten huge and I so hope I can keep it over the winter.

More Christmas gifts arrive in the mail each week.  I got Joe's and when I opened it and looked at it, I was so happy with it.  You know I can't say what it is since he reads this all the time.  But he's going to love it.  Got something for my sister too.  And my brother.  I've got to get going on some knitting projects for others in my family.  Time is getting short.  It sometimes takes me six weeks to finish something and I don't have much more than nine weeks to do another two projects.   

I have to go because I am falling asleep.  Literally.  Hope you all have a good night.

  Kathy

Sunrise: 7:16 a.m.

Sunset:  6:14 p.m.

10 hours and 58 minutes of daylight

Temperatures:  86*/61* 

  

A ROCKWELL THURSDAY -- THE PLUMBERS (1951)

 

THE PLUMBERS (1951)

Making its debut on The Saturday Evening Post cover on June 2, 1951, The Plumbers was one of Rockwell's most entertaining covers.  Using his passion for detail, Rockwell humorously depicts ordinary working guys goofing around in a fancy room which obviously belongs to a wealthy woman.  Rockwell believed most Post readers would relate to the humble plumbers and enjoy the antics the two fellows brought to the dullness of their everyday tasks.

A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- THE OPTOMETRIST (1956)

THE OPTOMETRIST (1956)

Inspired by Rockwell's personal memories of getting glasses, this illustration brilliantly captures the opposing forces of eager doctor and defiant patient.  Norman was distressed about having to become a "four-eyes."  After getting fitted with modern, moonlike glasses, Norman's buddies named him "Moonie" instead, which made him even more mad.  The Optometrist was featured on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on May 19, 1956.

A ROCKWELL TUESDAY -- THE MARRIAGE LICENSE (1955)

THE MARRIAGE LICENSE (1955)

To this day, this illustration is the most popular with couples ready to profess their love.  The young couple was actually engaged at the time of the posing and were married soon after.  The clerk was a local business owner who had recently lost his wife.  Rockwell asked him to pose for this illustration as a way to give him something else to think about.  The scene masterfully captures the contrast between the young couple just beginning life together and the aging clerk who has seen it all.

A ROCKWELL WEDNESDAY -- TEA FOR TWO (1927)

Similar to life today, the 1920's were a time of hustle and bustle.  This illustration is a clever reminder to always make time for the gentle nuances in life.  A cozy fire, snuggly cat, content facial expressions and closeness of the couple capture the warmth and relaxation experienced with a little quiet time.  Rockwell successfully depicts the subtle charm of the American middle class.

A ROCKWELL FRIDAY -- BEFORE THE SHOT

I got a great Norman Rockwell calendar from my drug store this year and thought I would share some of the pictures with you.  I love Rockwell.  When my mom was in art school, he was one of her instructors.  How cool is that!

Here's the picture for January.  You see it a lot in doctor's offices.  At least I did while I was growing up.

1958
Before the Shot

The boy verifying the doctor's credentials whimsically captures the confirmation many people desire moments before a procedure at the doctor's office.  There was great debate in the Rockwell family over how much of the boy's fanny should show.  Some argued more while others argued less.  After considerable thought, Norman Rockwell lowered the pants to their present position which avoided controversy without sacrificing humor.