Fresh Art: Norman Rockwell & The Photographs

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Norman Rockwell’s subject was average America. He painted it with such benevolent affection for so many years, that a truly remarkable history of the 20th century has been compiled. Most of Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings were inspired by photographs. Prior to beginning a painting, Mr. Rockwell would first plan out the scene to be photographed, often inviting family and neighbors to help act out his vision. It was then from a photograph, or a series of photographs, that Mr. Rockwell would begin painting:

Norman Rockwell

The Runaway. Oil painting for Post cover, September 1958.

girl at the mirror

Norman Rockwell

Girl At The Mirror. Oil painting for Post cover, March 1954

norman rockwell

norman rockwell

After The Prom. Oil painting for Post cover, May 1957.

Norman Rockwell One

norman rockwell

The Tatooist. Painting for Post cover, March 1944.

Browse the Norman Rockwell Collection (both paintings and photographs) online at the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Build It: Handmade Harry Potter

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A young man named Leon turned 21 years old and for his birthday party, his father built a detailed replica of Hogwart’s Great Hall using mostly styrofoam, cardboard, recycled wood and paint. These unbelievably simple and inexpensive creations are documented step by step on his website for all to learn:

The Harry Potter Potions Light Box was made from a simple box holding a flourescent light bulb. The recycled bottles were filled with water and food coloring.

The Floating Candles and the Enchanted Ceiling were made from thrifted queen size bed sheets, toilet paper rolls, and inexpensive flickering electronic lights.

The wands were made from sticks found at the park and varnish. The wand cases were made from styrofoam and a bit of velvet.

The books for the library were made from foam and paint.

The Great Hall Banquet Table was made extra long with a simple construction of recycled wood.

The Nimbus 2000 was made of wood, palm tree fronds, glue, and a bit of aluminum.

The Hour Glass was made with 2 liter plastic bottles, styrofoam, aluminum rods, sand, and gold paint.

The Owl Lecturn was made of foam, wood, a cardboard roll and gold paint.

The Monster Book Of Monsters was made of foam, a cardboard roll, fur fabric and gold puffy paint.

See all Harry Potter tutorials HERE