For today, I decided to host a series of paintings depicting father figures. Since yesterday was Father’s Day, I think this is definitely appropriate. Norman Rockwell is indeed one of the best choices. The overall feel and attitude of his art works focused heavily on the family, love, and patriotism. Sadly, his personal life never truly mirrored the happiness and purity of his work. Truly, he painted what he wished he could have himself and perhaps what all people wish for. Born 1894 in New York City, Rockwell painted for notable magazine The Saturday Evening Post for over fifty years, his most famous works including Rosie the Riveter (1943) , Saying Grace (1951) and The Problem We All Live With (1964).
All his paintings have followed me throughout my life through family calendars and old magazines. What Rockwell showed through those paintings reflected what I wanted most, what I still what. I wish for the days when people sought for higher morals and strong familial bonds. The joys in life were not centered on consumerism, children were not addicted to technology and the family was not a conglomerate of a philosophical spectrum.
My love for the artworks presented here and the many others by Rockwell is centered on this portrayal of higher standards, love and maturity. Rockwell was truly one of a kind, a rare find in the more modern art trapezing throughout America and Europe. Many will say that the people he portrayed and the ideals he focused on are not real. I disagree. The negativity is most likely born from sadness and jealousy. These paintings and drawings in particular I found in memory of my father who is just like these men.
There is such gentleness, such love that emanates from these images. The colors echo of a lost time of non-computer generated advertising. Each is hand crafted, with the tender mark of a master. The colors are earthy and genuine and the people are not models. They are normal, everyday human beings.
What I like most about these artworks is how they portray fathers. They play pivotal roles in their children’s lives, teaching them, watching over them and of course loving them. I believe the best gift a father can five to his children is to love their mother unconditionally. I definitely had that solid foundation in my life. Our society needs fathers and mothers. Many just do not want to admit it. They rewrite the family unit and poison the minds of children through filthy music and movies. For what?
Sorry, I am rambling. Let it just be known that I believe these are incredible works of art and a lost part of our history.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 
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