Spring – Summer 12

A connection to the visual traditions of the past, imbued with a deep sense of feeling, imagination and skill—this perfectly sums up the career (so far) of Raymond Kinstler, the next artist to be featured in Norman Rockwell Museum’s Distinguished Illustrator Series.

A native New Yorker, Kinstler was recognized early in life for his artistic talents. Supported by his parents, he was reminded by his father that it was a gift to be able to earn a living doing what you love. Kinstler developed an appreciation for the illustration arts during this influential time, becoming an avid fan of the periodicals that were filled with top rate illustrations. Talents like Mead Schaeffer (1898 – 1980) and John Atherton (1900 – 1952) were regular cover artists, and most salient is his recognition of Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) and J.C. Leyendecker (1894-1951) as titans in the illustration field.