Edward Hopper Quotes

A collection of quotes by Edward Hopper.

Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was an American painter renowned for his distinct and evocative depictions of modern American life. Born in Nyack, New York, Hopper displayed an inclination towards art from an early age. He initially trained as an illustrator and later attended the New York School of Art and Design, where he studied under renowned American painter Robert Henri.

Hopper's works are characterized by their introspective and often melancholic mood, capturing the isolation and alienation prevalent in modern society. He was drawn to depicting urban scenes, often featuring empty streets, solitary figures, and stark architecture, which further emphasized the underlying sense of loneliness and introspection in his paintings.

During his career, Hopper created many iconic works, including "Nighthawks" (1942), a scene of a late-night diner with enigmatic patrons that has become an enduring symbol of American culture. His meticulous attention to detail, use of light and shadow, and unique ability to capture the ambiguity of human emotion made him one of the most celebrated American realist painters of the 20th century.

Edward Hopper's contributions to the art world earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the history of American art.

If you could say it in words there would be no reason to pai

If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.

Words Reason You Say Paint Would

I find in working always the disturbing intrusion of element

I find in working always the disturbing intrusion of elements not a part of my most interested vision, and the inevitable obliteration and replacement of this vision by the work itself as it proceeds.

No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential el

No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.

In its most limited sense, modern, art would seem to concern

In its most limited sense, modern, art would seem to concern itself only with the technical innovations of the period.

There will be, I think, an attempt to grasp again the surpri

There will be, I think, an attempt to grasp again the surprise and accidents of nature and a more intimate and sympathetic study of its moods, together with a renewed wonder and humility on the part of such as are still capable of these basic reactions.

Painting will have to deal more fully and less obliquely wit

Painting will have to deal more fully and less obliquely with life and nature's phenomena before it can again become great.

The trend in some of the contemporary movements in art, but

The trend in some of the contemporary movements in art, but by no means all, seems to deny this ideal and to me appears to lead to a purely decorative conception of painting.

My aim in painting has always been the most exact transcript

My aim in painting has always been the most exact transcription possible of my most intimate impression of nature.

If the technical innovations of the Impressionists led merel

If the technical innovations of the Impressionists led merely to a more accurate representation of nature, it was perhaps of not much value in enlarging their powers of expression.

I trust Winsor and Newton and I paint directly upon it.

I trust Winsor and Newton and I paint directly upon it.

In general it can be said that a nation's art is greatest wh

In general it can be said that a nation's art is greatest when it most reflects the character of its people.

Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the

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.

The question of the value of nationality in art is perhaps u

The question of the value of nationality in art is perhaps unsolvable.

It's to paint directly on the canvas without any funny busin

It's to paint directly on the canvas without any funny business, as it were, and I use almost pure turpentine to start with, adding oil as I go along until the medium becomes pure oil. I use as little oil as I can possibly help, and that's my method.