Friday, 15 November 2013

Edward Hopper 1882-1967

Edward Hopper created paintings of the American life. He found it hard to find his own style and often returned to illustration. A quote from Edward Hopper " Its hard for me to decide what to paint. I go for months without finding it sometimes. It comes slowly."
In 1913 he travelled to Gloucester, Massachusetts , to gain some inspiration and started his first outdoor paintings in America. He painted 'squam light'.


Squam Light 


Edward Hopper trained under Robert Henri. Another quote from Edward Hopper " It takes a long time for an idea to strike. Then I have to think about it for a long time I don't start painting until I have it all worked out in my mind. I'm alright wen I get to the easel." 
Hopper found the idea of  power of the subconscious mind is the expression of every art.
Edward Hopper seemed to explore different themes regularly, from seascapes to cityscapes. 
Hopper travelled a lot to find inspiration of places to paint and documented through drawing. 
The atmosphere created in his paintings is very intriguing as it is dark most of the time. 

A key theme seems to go throughout Hoppers American life series. The people depicted all seem to be alone and isolated , in their own world.  He seems to focus on one individual as it creates an uneasy atmosphere. 













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