Edward Hopper was born in Nyack, New York and dreamed of being an artist. His family worried about his making ends meet, and insisted he be a commercial artist, which he disliked. Though he studied in France, he felt little kinship with the Impressionists and was not affected by Picasso and the Modernist movement. Instead, Hopper found his voice in painting in a Realist style, depicting lonely figures in public places. After he met his wife, fellow artist Josephine, they would travel the states and paint together. Vermont was a particular inspiration, and numerous canvases were inspired by that landscape. He was equally gifted working in oil, watercolor, and drew extensively in charcoal, ink, pencil, and pastels. He achieved success and recognition in his lifetime, as museums bought his work and he was nominated for awards. However, he turned down the awards and the invitations to speak at events, preferring his quiet and simple life in Nyack with Josephine.
