Edward Hopper

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists

by Mike Venezia

Briefly examines the life and work of the American realist painter, describing and giving examples of his art.

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

32 pages, Library Binding

Published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently finished a biography copyrighted in 2003 geared for middle grades, I have now finished a biography aimed at grades 2 through 4 copyrighted in 1990 and liked it much better. Brief text giving basic biographical information and a number of Hopper’s paintings are shown in color and the emphasis is on Hopper, no distractions with other artist’s works. The text coordinates with the painting shown, not analyzing it but stating a general theme or fact about Hopper’s life.
I especially enjoyed seeing, “Pennsylvania Coal Town”, owned by the Butler Institute of Art in Youngstown, Ohio and “New York Movie” owned by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Who knew an older, briefer title would be more pleasing to this adult.

[fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

reminiscing about visiting saschuya in chicago and seeing Nighthawks 1942 together at the institute.
(p.s the painting reminds me a lot of the tv mini-series based on Fellow Travelers that I am currently loving)

the accidental german expressionism in Night Shadows 1921

the blue in The Long Leg 1935

Gas 1940 remind me so much of Less Is Lost

[XIS Grade 3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like the book because it didn't tell a story. (David Q)

I liked the book because he draw realistic things and drew things around him. (Maya)

I didn't like this book because I don't like non-fiction books. I prefer fiction. (Linda)

[Jon Hewelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

ReRead 3 July 2023
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Previously read; currently playing catch-up.

For years and years, I was AWARE of Edward Hopper but I didn't know his work beyond Nighthawks.

At some point during college, I saw a video collage of Hopper paintings set to Tom Waits's "Closing Time". I loved it: a perfect melding of music and art. And so when I started (re)reading these biographies by Mike Venezia, I knew Hopper would be on the list.

Reading Edward Hopper by Mike Venezia, I felt transported, one of the first few incidences in the past few months when reading was a profound sensory and temporal experience, not just . . . well, reading.

The lack of living subjects in Hopper's paintings, combined with the simple text and Venezia's cartoons, created a serene, pastoral sense in me. I should have been listening to "Closing Time" as I read.

Check it out. And if not, check out the actual works of Edward Hopper. There's some very cosmic about this work. I overuse that word, but in this case, I mean it.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists, Edward Hopper is a nice edition in this fantastic collection by Mike Venezia. These books are perfect for exposing elementary and junior high aged students to a large variety of artists and styles of art.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the books from this author, the cartoons had a light touch interspersed among the text, making it very interesting and easy to read.