Maybe I am not very human - what I wanted to do was to paint sunlight on the side of a house.
My aim in painting has always been the most exact transcription possible of my most intimate impression of nature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Edward Hopper expresses his goal of capturing true and personal impressions of nature through his painting.
In this quote, Edward Hopper reflects on his artistic ambition to serve as a conduit for his personal experiences and emotions tied to the natural world. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in art, suggesting that the painterβs role is not merely to replicate the visible landscape but to convey the deeper, intimate feelings that arise from observing nature. This perspective speaks to the relationship between the artist and their subject, illustrating the transformative power of personal interpretation in artistic expression.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During an art exhibition, one could use this quote to discuss the intention behind a landscape painting.
More from Edward Hopper
All quotes βGreat 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.
What I wanted to do was to paint sunlight on the side of a house.
No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.
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