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.
Meaning of the quote
When an artist like Norman Rockwell is drawing a portrait, they often talk to the person they are drawing. This helps the person relax and feel more natural, so the artist can capture their true expression. The talking also helps the artist understand the person's personality better, so they can paint or draw them in a way that shows who they really are.
About Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell was an iconic American painter and illustrator who created some of the most recognizable images of 20th-century American life. He was famous for his cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, as well as his work with the Boy Scouts of America and numerous other commercial clients. While dismissed by some critics as sentimental or bourgeois, his art found broad popular appeal and has since been celebrated for its technical mastery and cultural significance.
More quotes from Norman Rockwell
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I’ll never have enough time to paint all the pictures I’d like to.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
A face in the picture would bother me, so I’d rub it out with the turpentine and do it over.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
My best efforts were some modern things that looked like very lousy Matisses. Thank God I had the sense to realize they were lousy, and leave Paris.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I didn’t know what to expect from a famous movie star; maybe that he’d be sort of stuck-up, you know. But not Gary Cooper. He horsed around so much… that I had a hard time painting him.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I’m tired, but proud.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Very interesting for an old duffer like me to try his hand at something new. If I don’t do that once in a while, I might just turn into a fossil, you know!
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
It wouldn’t be right for me to clown around when I’m painting a president.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Things aren’t much wilder now, I don’t think, than they were back then. Of course I just read about all the goings-on now. Ha.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Right from the beginning, I always strived to capture everything I saw as completely as possible.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I’m not going to be caught around here for any fool celebration. To hell with birthdays!
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Some people have been kind enough to call me a fine artist. I’ve always called myself an illustrator. I’m not sure what the difference is. All I know is that whatever type of work I do, I try to give it my very best. Art has been my life.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I had a couple of million dollars’ worth of… stock once. And now it’s not worth much more than wallpaper. I guess I just wasn’t born to be rich.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
It was a pretty rough neighborhood where I grew up The really tough places were over around Third Avenue where it ran into the Harlem River, but we weren’t far away.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
No man with a conscience can just bat out illustrations. He’s got to put all his talent and feeling into them!
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
Some folks think I painted Lincoln from life, but I haven’t been around that long. Not quite.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
You must first spend some time getting your model to relax. Then you’ll get a natural expression.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
The remarks about my reaching the age of Social Security and coming to the end of the road, they jolted me. And that was good. Because I sure as hell had no intention of just sitting around for the rest of my life. So I’d whip out the paints and really go to it.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
I’m the oldest antique in town.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)
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.
American painter and illustrator (1894-1978)