Edward Hopper Inspired Painting - Rooms by the Sea

Edward Hopper ~ Rooms by the Sea ~ 1951

Oil on Canvas

Edward Hopper considered one of the significant realist painters and print makers of the twentieth century is known for his use of deliberate, disciplined sparseness. His paintings, simple and bleak with an ongoing theme of loneliness, also address nostalgia for values of the American past. His carefully calculated compositions paid particular attention to geometrical design, and the effect of light and shadow. As a mature artist, he lived and worked in New York City and spent most of his summers on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His painting, Rooms by the Sea, is based on the view out the back door of his summer studio. While the composition was suggested by this view, the image effectively portrays Hoppers theme of solitude and silence more so than serving as an actual record of this room.

A wonderful friend of mine used to live in a condominium by the sea. This picture was taken looking out her porch door.  I've always loved this image, probably because it is very "Hopperish" in style. This week I decided to paint it, using "Rooms by the Sea" as an artistic guide.

Day One~ Trying to get the lines, colors, shadows and a surrealistic look onto my canvas.

Day Two ~ Adding a little more color and detail into the scene.

Day Three ~ Using a picture of "Rooms by the Sea" as a guide, I added more detail, color and shadow. I liked the red chair cushion, so I carried that color around the painting ~ using more of it in the flowers, door handle, door hinges, and in the shadows on the door and porch roof. Tomorrow I'll be setting up for Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, so this painting might be finished.....we'll see!

 Update - The painting wasn't finished in time for the show, but that was a good thing as it is now hanging in my wonderful friends new home.  What do you think ~ Have I sufficiently channeled Hopper??? Artistic critiques are always welcomed!