Episode 78: Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper was thought to be the quintessential American realist painter. Born in 1882 in Nyach, New York, Hopper got an early start making art. By his teens, Hopper was experimenting with charcoal, watercolor, pen and ink and oil.

In 1905 hopper got a job creating magazine cover designs but hated it. He traveled to Europe to find his muse and was not impressed with many of the up and coming artists, however he was very impressed with the workings of Rembrandt and would be greatly influenced by his work.

 Automat, 1927

There is something so mysterious about this painting. Why is the girl sitting alone in the cafe? What is her expression telling us? Is she so lonely that she is inviting the viewer into the scene? 

Nighthawks, 1942

His trademark dark palate and urban scenes defined his realist style and he spent much of his time depicting cafe and street scenes in New York City.

 House by the Railroad, 1925

This house was the inspiration for the look of the Bates House in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho. This image captures the sense of abandonment and loss that progress can leave in a once peaceful agrarian society.

 New York Movie, 1939

Hopper loved the movies and based this movie theater on one's he frequented in New York City. The lonely usher is based on his wife Jo. Most of the women in his paintings were based on her. 

Edward hopper was thought of as the quintessential realist painter for good reason. His realistic paintings create such emotions for the viewer; and he offers a glimpse into his inner thoughts and feelings.

“Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist, and this inner life will result in his personal vision of the world. ” -Edward Hopper

What are your thoughts about Edward Hopper? Do you sense the loneliness that is so frequently portrayed in his work, or do you think he was attempting to capture moments of silence so rare in a city like New York?

For more information on Edward Hopper you can go here.

Tune in next week when Carrie and Lauren rank the top 10 pieces of Apocalypse Art!