Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow

by Susan Goldman Rubin

This captivating biography of the celebrated American painter Edward Hopper follows his youth, includes information on his education, and chronicles his journeys to Paris and his settling down in Greenwich Village to pursue his artwork. The book documents his career as a commercial artist (how he first earned a living) as well as his eventual success as a great American painter. Among the artwork included are NIGHTHAWKS, CAPE COD EVENING, and HOUSE BY THE RAILROAD. A comparison is made to other artists of the period such as O'Keeffe, Pollock, and Marin to round out this unique offering.

Book HardcoverPublication 8/1/2007 48Reading Age 8 and Up

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Susan Goldman Rubin is the author of more than forty-five books for young people, including Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter; The Yellow House: Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side; and Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow. A long-time instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers Program, Susan Goldman Rubin lives in Malibu, California.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at Shelf Inflicted

“If you could say it in words, there’d be no reason to paint.”
― Edward Hopper


When I requested this from the library, I was expecting an oversized coffee-table art book, not a 48-page book written for young readers.

I dove in anyway, and found out that good writing is good writing, whether it is for children or adults.

Even though I probably wouldn’t hang Edward Hopper’s paintings in my living room, they are deeply affecting. I love them for their realism, the vivid and unsentimental portrayals of American urban and rural life, and characters that are so serious, gloomy and reflective that I’d like to reach into the painting and learn what they are thinking.

This book features Hopper’s early paintings and portraits, his etchings, and the later work that finally gained him real recognition, when he was in his 40’s. In between the pictures and photos, the reader learns about the artist’s life – his family, friendships, his struggles and success.

A quick and enjoyable read.

[Nicholas & Megan Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you could say it in words, there’d be no reason to paint.” Delightful anecdotes, candid quotes, quality reproductions of both sketches & oil paintings, simple & vital telling of a life filled with earnest work. Excited to read more by this author!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott County PL

[Jodysegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it can be hard to find good biographies geared to elementary and middle school age children, Susan Goldman Rubin's art book/ biography of Edward Hopper stands out as substantive, engaging and accessible, without being patronizing. It features lovely reproductions of Hopper's work dating from childhood and spanning his entire career and deftly balances intelligent discussion of his art - his subjects, techniques, thematic interests, and critical reception- with interesting biographical details of his life. Rubin quotes extensively from letters and interviews with Hopper and his artist wife, Jo. The sum total is an informative and engaging book that brings to life a wonderful artist.

Library Media Connection: "Edward Hopper believed art was an expression of the artist’s life, and Susan Goldman Rubin’s biography deftly demonstrates this premise...The book is as much a lesson in art appreciation as a biography, and will provide inspiration to any aspiring young artist." (1/08)

Kirkus writes that the "lovely design combines with extensive research to produce a compact, lucid biography." (7/15/07)

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Goldman Rubin excelled in describing the life and art of Edward Hopper. She portrays the difficulties of his early years as an artist, other artists who influenced him, and alludes to the struggles of a marriage where both husband (Edward) and wife (Jo) are painters. Perhaps both marrying at age 41 was a factor.

I'm curious now why Hopper stuck with realism in a day when Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism were on the rise. His paintings draw me in and hold my attention. The book is generously illustrated with Edward Hopper's paintings, Jo's paintings, paintings of contemporaries and photographs of the artist.

Favorite quote -- "Art is like life itself, it's a lot of hard work." ~ Edward Hopper

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative and engaging read about celebrated painter Edward Hopper, whose best known for his realistic paintings and impressive use of light and shadows; which often created a sense of loneliness or foreboding. While I really enjoyed reading this there were some improvements that could have been done to the layout. Several of Hopper’s paintings that were not included, yet described; the pictures would have been nice since this is a biography of an artist and his work. Also there was no breakup in the text into chapters or sections, making breaking up the reading for a read aloud challenging.

[Roxanne Hsu Feldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text flows with ease in the hand of a pro. Major and exiting events in Hopper's life are presented to give the readers a vivid sense of the subject. The many reproductions of Hopper's paintings, drawings, and sketches add to the pleasure of the reading/looking experience. This is definitely a winner.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The layout is what got to me. There is no breakup in the flow of the text other than the pictures. It would have been so much better and easier to follow if it broke his life up into parts with clear distinctions.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So timely this book fell into my hands! I just read Ron Rash and in a short story they are discussing the painting Nighthawks. Excellent book. A lot of information on this artist. It was just there on a stack cover facing out waiting for me to grab. Truly serendipitous!