Focus on: Hopper
Course Code: VB471
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
Hopper’s is a very idiosyncratic art, focused on the empty space and the incidental. This one-day course will explore meaning in his painting through the context of America’s tumultuous Depression-era history and within a broader frame of artistic activity, particularly the variety of Realisms, practiced at this time. What previous students liked most about their course:
“Very comprehensive and inspiring!”
“I was familiar with reproductions of Hopper’s work, but was interested to learn his biography, the context of his work, and political/historical events.”
“Very good tutor, knowledgeable and organised. Highly enjoyable.”
What will we cover?
- The stylistic and content development of Hopper’s painting
- American movements including the Ashcan School, Social Realism, Regionalism and American Scene painting
- America’s social and political history during the inter-war period.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the style and content of American Scene painting
- Differentiate between forms of Realism practiced by Hopper and his contemporaries
- Explain Hopper’s relationship with early twentieth-century American art movements
- Describe Hopper’s art within its social, cultural and political context.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
In the classroom you will be taught by lecture and slide presentation. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course and will be printed for you.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Modern art in America 1900-1930: the Ashcan School to Precisionism
Modern art in America 1930s: the age of Hopper, Rivera and the New Deal
Visionary Experiments: American Art in the 1940s and 50s.
Dr Rachel Sanders received her MA and PhD in History of Art from University College, London. She has taught at a number of institutions and currently lectures on the history of art and design at City Lit and Oxford Brookes University. Her research interest is early twentieth-century American political paintings and cartoons. She has published a number of articles on her research specialism and is currently writing a book on New Masses magazine.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.