William Norman

American, 1904 - 1980

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The image depicts an industrial landscape viewed from an elevated or distant vantage point. The horizon is positioned high in the composition, showing industrial buildings and chimneys. The artwork is primarily black, white, and shades of gray, with expressive brushstrokes conveying movement and texture. Undulating forms close to us suggest piles of materials or natural topography. A curved pathway leads to angular buildings with pointed roofs. A smokestack releases smoke into a textured sky marked by swirling brushstrokes.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Back Street #1, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.459

Back Street #1

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.459
The image is a black and white illustration. It shows the upper bodies of a woman and a child. The woman is in profile view, seated with her head turned towards the child who is nestled in her left arm and looking at the viewer. The woman has delicate facial features and flowing hair framing her face. She is dressed in dark, flowing clothing. The child is wrapped in lighter fabric with large expressive eyes. The background consists of dynamic lines and abstract forms, creating a swirling pattern.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Mother and Child, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.462

Mother and Child

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.462
The image shows a steamboat navigating through rough waters. The horizon is obscured by swirling waves and intense movement. The artwork is rendered in black and white with bold brushstrokes depicting the turbulent sea and smoke from the boat's chimney. The color palette is limited to grayscale creating stark contrasts. The boat is at a steep angle, emphasizing its struggle. In the distance, there are jetties extending into the water, and turbulent clouds fill the sky.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Stormy Channel, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.465

Stormy Channel

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.465
The image shows a portrait of a young girl facing forward. She has long, wavy hair, large eyes, a small nose, and a subtle smile. She is wearing a patterned garment with a big hat on her head. The background features artistic swirling patterns.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Sybil, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.466

Sybil

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.466
The image depicts a person in an upper-body view, sitting and leaning forward with their head resting on their left arm, which is on a surface. Their right hand holds a pen over a sheet of paper. The person's face shows closed eyes and a focused expression, with detailed features. Their hair is styled back and tied up, with wavy texture. They wear a long-sleeved garment with a puffed sleeve and cuffs. There is an ink bottle on the table in front of them. The background has abstract dark strokes framing the subject.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Sally Sketching, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.464

Sally Sketching

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.464
The image shows a waterfront scene with various objects and structures. Closest to us are wooden platforms and railings extending towards the water, with a small boat present on the surface. There are large trees to the left creating an arch over the path, and a figure standing nearby. In the distance, several small boats lie scattered along the water's edge, with hints of buildings or structures further back. The drawing style is expressive, using charcoal or a similar medium with energetic strokes. The image is monochromatic, using a grayscale palette to convey depth, shadow, and light.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Waterfront, 1939, lithograph in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.467

Waterfront

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.467
The image shows a portrait of a person's upper body, with their head and shoulders visible. The person is seated in a forward-facing position with their head slightly tilted to one side. They have distinctive features including upward-curving eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a small, upturned mouth. Their hair is styled with a wave and swept to one side. The person wears a patterned top with a textured design and a collar that has a layered appearance. The background is simple, with shading and lines framing the individual. The artwork is in black and white with strong contrasts emphasizing the figure's facial features.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Little Judy, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.461

Little Judy

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.461
The image displays swirling and jagged lines creating dynamic shapes. Angular and cylindrical structures reminiscent of factory smokestacks and forms resembling trees or tree stumps are interspersed against a turbulent sky. Undulating lines in the foreground suggest a rocky terrain or flowing water. The image juxtaposes structured shapes with a chaotic background, connecting industrial constructs to a stark interpretation of a natural environment.
William Norman, Back Street, c. 1935-1943, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3746

Back Street

William Norman · c. 1935-1943 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3746
The image depicts the upper body of a person with their head slightly tilted to one side. The individual is looking downwards with a contemplative expression. They have soft wavy hair that is being held or arranged by their hands. The person's eyebrows are arched and their features are softly rendered. They are wearing a garment with draped fabric and an ornamental design at the neckline, resembling decorative loops or coils. The background features a fluid and abstract design that surrounds the figure. No accessories or objects are present in the image.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Sally, c. 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.463

Sally

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.463
The image depicts a bird in flight against a turbulent sky. A distant mountain range serves as the horizon, gradually becoming more detailed towards the right. Bold brushstrokes and a monochromatic palette of blacks and whites create texture and contrast. The swirling clouds in the sky suggest movement, complementing the bird's flight. The stark contrasts highlight the bird's silhouette against the dynamic backdrop.
William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Flight, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.460

Flight

William Norman, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.460