Choosin Up 1951

Norman Rockwell made this image, Choosin' Up, most likely using paint. The evenness in the application is incredible, it's almost like the surface has been buffed, the image itself is as smooth as a baseball. The way the boys are gathered, with their hands stacked on the bat, creates a sense of anticipation. Look how the light defines the forms, creating subtle gradations of color. The muted palette—whites, browns, and reds—creates a nostalgic feel, like a faded photograph. But there are also these little details that grab your attention, like the scuffed sneakers and mismatched socks. There's a tension between the idealized world Rockwell is known for and these small imperfections that hint at the messiness of real life. It makes me think of Edward Hopper, in the way he could capture loneliness and a sense of yearning in everyday scenes. Ultimately, this image, like all good art, is a balancing act, it's an ongoing conversation.