Thursday, May 14, 2009

Edward Hopper Inspired Painting - Rooms by the Sea

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!

16 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post. It is very interesting to see your process -thank you for sharing!

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  2. Great blog! Edward Hopper is one of my favorite artists. I had a post about him last year. Love your new painting. Thanks for stopping by my blog & following! I will keep you posted on Artfire.
    Blessings
    Campbelljane

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  3. I am an art teacher too! Very interesting blog!

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  4. Lovely! It's always great to see the process and inspiration too! ;)

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  5. What great paintings! I love your style!

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  6. I'm definitely not an art critic but i know what i like...and i LIKE IT!!!

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  7. I love seeing the process of other artists. It's really interesting to see a piece go from nothing to something beautiful!!!

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  8. I think you captured the "Hopper Spirit" beautifully! It was very interesting to see the progress as you painted it. Thanks for sharing. nancy

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  9. I am impressed , what a wonderful painting !

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  10. What a great inspiration. I think you have captured the style, but yours has an entirely different mood. Your painting feels more friendly. Maybe it's the table with the flowers. It feels more connected to humanity than Hopper's painting.
    Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving your encouraging comment.

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  11. Love the layout of your blog. It looks great!!

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  12. You did a remarkable job of capturing the work and yet giving it your own personal mark...brava!

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  13. I love having this memory hanging on my wall. You are such a gifted artist and dear friend. Thanks for the memories!

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  14. My dear friend, I hope this painting brings back peaceful memories and hope for great times to come! xo

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