photo #9179139

“As the Summer Wore On…” by Kurt Ard (1958) Story illustration for "Adios, Miss Em" by J.H. Giles, published in McCalls, February 1958 The full caption reads: "As the summer wore on, she became accustomed to all their whimsical pretend games and learned to take part in them." The illustration features an older woman shooting a water gun into a little boy's face as two other little boys lay in the grass beside them. Much like Norman Rockwell, Kurt Ard was inspired by everyday life and he often used his wife and children as models, striving to portray figures and their surroundings as accurately as possible. Ard’s strong attention to detail creates a visual delight on canvas and enhances the relatability of his narratives. These charming scenes of childhood and witty commentaries on relationships and daily life are representative of Ard’s endearing humor that defines his signature style.