Draw a Norman Rockwell Inspired Picture

What You Need:

• Sketch paper
• White paper
• Pencil
• Colored pencils

What You Do:

1. Take a closer look at Norman Rockwell’s artwork with your child, encouraging her to pay close attention to the details included in his paintings. Notice how realistic they seem. Part of being an illustrative realistic artist is capturing a moment, which tells a story as well as intrigues the viewer.
2. Invite your child to brainstorm ideas for her cover art in the style of Norman Rockwell. She can look at pictures for inspiration and create thumbnail sketches of her ideas.
3. Once she’s satisfied with an idea, encourage her to begin her artwork with a light pencil sketch before covering her lines with dark, strong lines. She can even work from a photograph if she’d like, helping her to be as realistic as possible!
4. Invite your child to use colored pencils to finish her detailed drawing, blending the colors together to create realistic textures and colors, just like a photograph.
5. Encourage your child to continue working until the artwork is finished and then help her find the perfect spot for displaying her finished Norman Rockwell inspired creation!

Did You Know:

Norman Rockwell created over 4,000 artworks over the span of his artistic career. He was also commissioned to illustrate over 40 books, including versions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.