After Hopper in Wellfleet Exhibition

Work by contemporary artists inspired by Edward Hopper and the places he painted on Cape Cod

In 1930, his first year renting on Cape Cod, Edward Hopper painted a watercolor entitled “Wellfleet Bridge.” “Wellfleet Road” was completed in 1931. “The Capron House”, a painting of one of Wellfleet’s most pristine and historically significant homes, was completed in 1933.

While Edward and Josephine Hopper had spent most of their married lives in a rented apartment in New York City, when an inheritance allowed them to purchase property, they bought a lot overlooking Cape Cod Bay from Wellfleet’s Lorenzo Dow Baker. Tin 1934, now in their Hopper-designed Cape Cod home, he painted “The Forked Road.”  Two years later he captured a scene of Pamet Point Road entitled “Spindly Locusts.”

Like their neighbors, they got their groceries in Wellfleet and dined at the Lighthouse Restaurant.

During the war, Jo, who wanted to spend her time painting and supporting her husband’s career, joined other Outer Cape women in responding to rationing by clamming to make clam pie and chowder, and garnering beach plums for jelly.

Far from prolific, year after year, for months on end, Hopper didn’t paint. He did spend days and precious gas traveling to find subjects for his masterpieces.

“The Martha McKeen of Wellfleet”, one of his most popular works, was completed in 1944.

The Wellfleet Public Library, working with the Addison Art Gallery, is pleased to present an After Hopper℠ exhibition and related events. After Hopper℠ supports the legacy of America’s greatest realist painter by recognizing his contribution to contemporary painters inspired by his work and the places he painted.

Hopper was well read — novels, short stories, history, poetry, periodicals. He went to the theatre and loved the cinema. With After Hopper℠, we hope to offer our patrons insights into this American icon and an awareness of the creativity surrounding us today.