No man with a conscience can just bat out illustrations. He's got to put all his talent and feeling into them!

I learned to draw everything except glamorous women. No matter how much I tried to make them look sexy, they always ended up looking silly... or like somebody's mother... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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I can take a lot of pats on the back. I love it when I get admiring letters from people. And, of course, I'd love it if the critics would notice me, too... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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Eisenhower had about the most expressive face I ever painted, I guess. Just like an actor's. Very mobile. When he talked, he used all the facial muscles. And he had a great, wide mouth that I liked. When he smiled, it was just like the sun came out... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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The '20s ended in an era of extravagance, sort of like the one we're in now. There was a big crash, but then the country picked itself up again, and we had some great years. Those were the days when American believed in itself. I was happy and proud to be painting it... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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Everyone in those days expected that art students were wild, licentious characters. We didn't know how to be, but we sure were anxious to learn... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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You must first spend some time getting your model to relax. Then you'll get a natural expression... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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When I go to farms or little towns, I am always surprised at the discontent I find. And New York, too often, has looked across the sea toward Europe. And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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A face in the picture would bother me, so I'd rub it out with the turpentine and do it over... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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Some folks think I painted Lincoln from life, but I haven't been around that long. Not quite... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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I talk as I sketch, too, in order to keep their minds off what I'm doing so I'll get the most natural expression I can from them. Also, the talking helps to size up the subject's personality, so I can figure out better how to portray him... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable... view

By: Norman Rockwell

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