NightHawks

By: Edward Hopper

Born: Nyack, New York (1882-1967)

Made:1942

Medium: Oil Paint

Overall I really like this painting. The contrast of the harsh lights inside to the gloomy darkness that exists oustide the bar makes the painting in a whole feel solemn. You really dont get the feeling you want to be in the bar or outside. There is also the contrast of the couple to the singular man. This makes you see the range of people in different walks of life who all co-exist in one city. What makes this painting so special for me is the awkward angle that the restaurant is set at. You feel as if you are so near the bar because of how close you feel to it on one side, though at the same time the people sitting at the other side seem just out of reach, Like although you are so close to where they are they are miles away spinning in their own thoughts. Each character brings an element to the piece as well. They all seem very different, the couple brings a fancy feel but with the distinct impression that is a facade, while the man sitting alone is more blunt with his message of loneliness. The waiter, in his old age gives the essence of desperation and expiration. To me the man sitting alone is the most intriguing, since you cant see his face.

Hopper, born in Nyack, Ny in 1882 was a pupil of Robert Henri. Hoppers style and taste was greatly influenced by his schooling, which was geared toward creating images of the city. This is how NightHawks came to be. When interviewed he said this piece was meant to convey the loneliness of a city. Originally this very diner stood on Grenwich Ave. in Nyc but is no longer there. There are many aspects of this painting that show the feeling of entrapment, for instance there is no way our of the bar area let alone the diner itself.

Although this paintings balance is clearly tipped to the right, you do not feel that something has just thrown you. It is clear where the emphasis is meant to go with the contrast of the bright restaurant to the dark outside, and since all the people are located in one area you eye is immediately drawn there. The curved sidewalk is also very suggestive, it leads your eye to the restaurant. The single man is also located in the general area that is the center which naturally catches your attention.