New Kids in the Neighborhood, 1967

At 73, Rockwell had lost the energy to develop his work in the painstaking way of the previous half-century. Now he would often omit the intermediary step of preparing a detailed charcoal drawing before proceeding to paint in oil. In addition, his color perception was diminishing due to cataracts. Still, his work continued to reach an appreciative audience.

In his illustration of suburban integration in Chicago's Park Forest community, Rockwell was secure in expressing his philosophy of tolerance. We can see the children will soon be playing with each other, but the face peering from behind a window curtain makes us wonder how the adults will fare.

New Kids in the Neighborhood, Norman Rockwell, 1967. Oil on canvas, 36 1/2" x 57 1/2". Story illustration for Look, May 16, 1967. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.

Reference photos for New Kids in the Neighborhood by Louie Lamone, 1967.