Norman Rockwell

“Some folks think I painted Lincoln from life, but I haven't been around that long. Not quite.”

“Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.”

“I'm tired, but proud.”

“I'm not going to be caught around here for any fool celebration. To hell with birthdays!”

“Eisenhower had about the most expressive face I ever painted, I guess. Just like an actor's. Very mobile. When he talked, he used all the facial muscles. And he had a great, wide mouth that I liked. When he smiled, it was just like the sun came out.”

“The '20s ended in an era of extravagance, sort of like the one we're in now. There was a big crash, but then the country picked itself up again, and we had some great years. Those were the days when American believed in itself. I was happy and proud to be painting it.”

“Everyone in those days expected that art students were wild, licentious characters. We didn't know how to be, but we sure were anxious to learn.”