Edward Hopper - How it began

Although the sun was hiding behind clouds as we put the top down and headed off to the Berkshires, one can never be disappointed when the destination is Stockbridge, Massachusetts and The Norman Rockwell Museum which was hosting a wonderful exhibit entitled:

 The Unknown Hopper: Edward Hopper as Illustrator.

Every museum visitor is well aware of the wonderful, bold paintings by Edward Hopper.  However, I imagine the average museum goer is less familiar with Hopper's work as an illustrator.  Hopper began his artistic career by studying illustration in New York - his parents felt he needed to be able to earn a living.  However, he always desired to paint reality rather than fictional subjects as part of a commission.  While Hopper may not have enjoyed his long career as an illustrator of magazines, books and periodical stories, we can appreciate and enjoy the results of his talents.

Men Seated ay Cafe Table

Boy and the Moon

Night Shadows

As impressive as the illustrations are, I must admit I am still drawn to Hopper's paintings - maybe I just love the familiar images.  The National Galley has created a wonderful documentary film on  Edward Hopper to compliment their 2007 exhibition of his creative life. The Whitney Museum in New York City hold many Hopper's works and it is understandable that one wants to revisit some of those wonderful works.  Enjoy!

Light at two Lights, 1927

Corn Hill, 1930

Early Sunday Morning, 1930

New York Interior, 1921

Norman Rockwell and his Art on Display

 

The reason for traveling to Stockbridge was to see the Hopper exhibition and yet it seems appropriate to make a few remarks on Norman Rockwell's art so nicely display in his well designed museum.  Many of Rockwell's oils delightfully document a version of the American experience.  One wonders whether it is appropriate to use the word document when referring to his art.

Below are a sampling of old and new favorites.

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

Art Critic

The museum has developed a timeline which outlines Rockwell's artistic career.  It is well worth the time to check it out.  

As you wander though the galleries you can't help but wonder, if life was ever as simple and innocent as Rockwell's art implies.  However, when one enters the central gallery and see the large canvases  depicting the Four Freedoms it is impossible not wonder what happened ...  how is it possible that a nation founded on that vision came to inherit the government we currently have.