In this painting “The Deadline” (Artist Facing Blank Canvas) painted in 1938 by Norman Rockwell, the artist illustrates a moment when the painter is confused on what to do next. The controversy in the painting shows how the painter have gathered all of the necessary tools but needs to come up with a game plan to get the ball rolling. Most of the time when an artist is viewed they have already come up with a creative idea for a painting but this particular artist is having some struggles on an idea to get on track. Rockwell tells the story about why procrastination can be a bad choice.
He understands the conflict between the importances of the artists meeting the deadline but maybe the situation could have been more beneficial if she had done things a little differently. Rockwell targets to detain the focus of the audience by demonstrating that waiting until the deadline may be a bad idea because to make a creative masterpiece the person has to prepare first. When you first look at the illustration a lot of things cross your mind on how the artist was feeling. However, the focal point of the image is the painter staring at canvas with a hand placed on one leg, the other on her head with a brush in hand.
Looking at her you can imply many negative things about her mood and attitude. The positioning of the picture does not allow the audience to view her face but body language is also a big form of communication. The light grey background of the image helps the painting stand out more because of the big white paper on the canvas is empty because of sense of puzzlement from the artist. For example, the body language from the artist shows that she is either thinking of ideas or maybe confused on where to start.
The book resting on the artists’ leg implies that maybe he painter started looking through papers and book for ideas but need to put everything together to get the perfect portrait. The detail and texture of the painters workspace is also a giant object that depicts a lot about her work ethic while coming up with ideas in a short timeframe. The contrast of the painters collar and rolled up sleeve, suggest that each minute counts because meeting the deadline is very important. The viewer can see that the painter is probably feeling like she should have prepared a little earlier and gather her ideas because now not only is her workspace a disaster but she haven’t got started on the portrait yet.
There is a very high chance will meet this deadline but for many a starting point is always the hardest thing with everything in life. Life lessons are learned from the smallest things a person goes through in life. For instance, the artist could be thinking she will better prepare next time to avoid the troubles encountered from previous projects. As children in school everyone is taught to prepare ahead of time to save frustration, helps to be more organized, and have the opportunity to publish the best work possible because there will be time to compare and contrast ideas.
Being able to compare and contrast a process of elimination can take place, time to get creative ideas from others, make sure the directions are clear, and time to gather all the necessary materials that may be needed to get a early jump start. Looking at the top of the painting the audience would also identify that the artists may be preparing the illustration for a big event and that may be another reason for her confusion. The portrait may have to meet a certain criteria and they may be why she seems a bit unorganized and frustrated. The paperwork on the desk and floor both has a connection to the artist which could be determined a mess.
Her hands are placed to create a diagonal line that almost can be a major focus point. The diagonal line of the painter’s hands divides the painting into two parts. The lower portion of the painting is the papers scattered and the painting materials which suggests clutter and unorganized while the upper portion imply she may be debating on ideas. Again, this creates the narrative of when there is a deadline in place prepare ahead because too much time is better than not having enough time. To be able to plan ahead and have extra time that way if there are corrections that need to be made you have time to do so.
Another main focus the author may be portraying to the audience was if looking closely at the top left of the canvas found hanging is the big red tag labeled “due date”. The notice could serve as a reminder but also be the extra push the artist needs to meet the important deadline. A key factor to use when preparing for a major project is to keep the due date in mind, prepare ahead of time, be organized, and understand the instructions clearly. Comparing and contrasting the tools listed the painter did not do any of the above steps. This painting suggests that painter’s main focus is to meet the deadline after coming up with a game plan.
Once she comes to the conclusion to make a list first and then execute the plan she will be able to meet her deadline. Rockwell implies that the best thing to do is be able to meet deadlines. Each person at some point in life has gained the knowledge that being a procrastinator is a bad habit. The stress of rushing is far overwhelming because you may become uninterested, negative, and on the road to wanting to give up for some. A great lesson can be taught to the audience how when you are not prepared knowing there is a deadline you could have an episode like the artist in the painting.
So to avoid the connection a person must plan ahead, be organized, and take the responsibility very seriously. Based off of all of the paintings published by Norman Rockwell the audience can imply that he wanted to make a statement by analyzing great points with social issues the world struggles with. To be able to compare his old painting to issues people are facing in the year 2015 is remarkable and shows how some things in history have changed and some have not. A lot of things happening now are things someone has predicted and now people are started to catch on to how we are living history all over again.
