No Swimming 1921

Norman Rockwell made this painting called "No Swimming," and right away you see it's all about that first moment of decision, rendered in a mix of soft washes and really sharp details. Look at how he uses color to tell the story. The flesh tones are so alive, almost glowing, especially compared to the duller greens and browns of the landscape. The whole scene is activated by the expressions, like that kid's wide-eyed shock. You can almost hear his gasp. Then there's the little dog, eyes also wide, trying to catch up with the action. Rockwell packs so much into one image, it's like a freeze-frame from a movie about small-town life. This piece kind of reminds me of Edward Hopper, especially the way he captures a quiet, almost melancholic, moment of everyday life and turns it into something bigger. But Rockwell does it with a wink.