True, it is interesting seeing his source material and get a feel for his choices and working process, but still there is something about what this book – and exhibit I guess – does to works that I grew up looking at. Norman Rockwell, Robert McCall and Pierre Joubert were three artists who caught my attention in my youth and I can’t help feeling a fondness for some of their works. I’m sure others reading this could cite their own list and – I can tell while writing this that I’m having trouble expressing this, so let me try a different approach.

Imagine hearing about a ‘special anniversary edition’ of either The Wizard of Oz or Star Wars. (you choose) You sit down and look at it only to find that many scenes have been re-cut to utilize only the sound stage footage without the special effects and score. A film student may love it but a fan of the movie may be disappointed.

I’m not saying ‘Don’t look at this book’ or ‘Don’t go to the exhibit.’ I’m just saying that you should be prepared for how your feelings toward the ‘finished’ piece can taint your reaction to this material.

Then again, maybe I’m the only one to come away with that reaction. Maybe it was just the starkness of some of the photographs because I’ve never been bothered by seeing preliminary drawings, color studies or master drawings compared to finished pieces. Or, maybe it is just because I did grow up admiring Rockwell’s work and I just don’t want to see the man behind this curtain.

Mike