Hopper – (Rhythmic Pull, Integration and Shapes)

Edward Hopper - American Landscape - 1920 - 7.5 x 12.5 in - etching

This wonderful etching is a superb example of how important the knowledge of  composition is in all forms of expression.

Hopper’s exquisite use of rhythm is one of the best examples I know of.  The three cows rhythmically lead us into the landscape to a wonderful light patch, just above the cow crossing the tracks.  This beautiful consideration takes us beyond the cows to the powerful shape of the trees and beyond.

There is also a superb integration of the centre cow with a small triangle structure just beyond the tracks.  Can you see how the back of the cow’s neck connects to the triangle and then how you harmoniously read the other triangle at the right of the house?  Another sensitive relationship is between the cow on the tracks and the sunlit side of the house.  They harmonize in value and size beautifully.

The foundation of three horizontal rectangles in this composition is a great example of reducing to a few shapes.  The power of shape motifs is very important and master artists are very aware of how superfluous detail can weaken a composition.

Great composition does not need to rely on size or detail.