The Organ Grinder 1920

Norman Rockwell painted this scene of an organ grinder and some children with oil on canvas. It is the tonal range that captures me. From the deep black shadows of the organ grinder's coat to the small child's straw hat, the artist shows complete command over the process of painting. I enjoy the thickness of the paint here, it isn't overworked like some of Rockwell's other illustrations can be. The surface is relatively smooth, but you can see the brushstrokes in places, like in the rendering of the organ grinder's face. It’s a scene that’s about a narrative, and Rockwell’s loose handling of the medium supports this perfectly. One can sense a kinship between Rockwell and someone like David Hockney in their mutual love for the traditions of figurative painting. Both of them are constantly exploring new ways to tell stories. Ultimately, painting is like having a conversation, it’s always evolving, never static.