Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow (ISBN 0810993473)

Great addition to an art lover's collection:
When an art discussion turns to great American artists, Edward Hopper's name is one that invariably comes up. One of the most influential American artists, his personal story is interesting and inspiring. His story is one that should be shared with any young aspiring artist, and Rubin's book is a great introduction to the story and work of Edward Hopper. Edward Hopper showed his potential and talent at a very young age. He set the goal of becoming an artist when he was just a boy, and his mother encouraged his art projects and gave him art supplies and how to books. The book gives a concise history of Edward Hopper's early life, including his first drawings and early wanderings that inspired much of his work-and continues through his teenage and then grown-up life. Edward Hopper struggled to garner the attention and respect of the art world. He worked by doing advertisements and illustrations for corporate ad campaigns while continuing to paint what he loved to paint. The story of Edward Hopper is a story of determination, hard work, and success. It is an inspiration to anyone looking to be a success at their chosen task. This book takes this information and puts it in a highly readable and visually engaging story that can be easily read by young budding artists. It intersperses beautiful examples of Hopper's work throughout the story that can serve as a good read or an informative piece of research. A book that balances readability, education, and beautiful visuals, Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow, is a great addition to any art lover's book collection, especially the beginning collection of a young art lover. Armchair Interviews says: This would be a wonderful gift book.

Edward Hopper:
Rubin, Susan Goldman, Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007 This clearly written biography is very informative, and the presentation is very appealing. It describes Hopper's eagerness to draw "even as a tiny lad", an activity encouraged by his mother who gave him various art supplies and introduced him to fine art and notes his pleasure in reading about American History, an interest fostered by his father. He drew pictures of animals, boats, and soldiers, and early on began to sign his creations. When he finished High School, he knew he wanted to be an artist but his concerned parents urged him to attend art school where he could learn how to be a commercial artist; in fact this skill often generated his only source of income when his own artwork did not sell. He traveled abroad but also spent time in New York and the more rural Gloucester, Massachusetts. The nice reproductions of paintings both by him and others reveal his interest in different art styles and mediums. He married late another artist, and together they painted; however, it was his art that became famous and sold even during the Great Depression. End pages include an author's note, further information about his wife and friends who were artists, references and extensive picture credits and source notes and even a list of museums that exhibit Edward Hopper's work. Children will have the opportunity to learn about some of the ordinary as well as extraordinary events of his life, and view some of his work in a very appealing package. The design of the book is artistic: the hued pages frame large font and profile nicely the various reproductions. Children, 4th grade and up, who want to learn about an American artist will find this book enjoyable and easy to read.

A picturebook biography which includes many examples of his works.:
Susan Goldman Rubin's EDWARD HOPPER: PAINTER OF LIGHT AND SHADOW provides kids with insights into artist Hopper's life and achievements, tracing his success as a painter and following the evolution of his career and life. Kids with good reading skills and an appreciation for art will welcome the detailed survey of his life and finest paintings, while teachers will relish a picturebook biography which includes many examples of his works.