Art at Santa fe

I grew up as a Boy Scout, so Norman Rockwell is a name I know well. When I see this reproduction as I walk through the breezeway of Santa Fe, I can't help but think of previous times in my life; when I went to prom, when I've gotten milkshakes at a diner, and when I've gone on dates and hung out with friends. I love Norman Rockwell's ability to capture movement in a way similar to the Renaissance artists of old. This reproduction doesn't quite do it as much justice, but there is a little more to the anatomy of these characters that helps bring out the movement and posture of them. This movement helps the painting feel more relate-able, because it doesn't feel like anyone is posing for a camera or brush, but for each other. It makes it feel like this is a natural occurrence that the artist happened upon, and not a still-life.

Aside from that, the story this painting tells me is that after a night at prom, a couple goes to get a milkshake when they meet someone they know at the diner. Maybe this someone only knew one of them, but what seems for certain is that he is making a move at the gal by sipping on her milkshake. Maybe he was supposed to go to the prom with her but had to work? Maybe he's trying to one-up or get the last laugh on the guy who could take her to prom? It has a little bit of tension, but it still feels jovial.