Cape Cod is a beautiful place...must of been even more beautiful when Edward Hopper was around. I set off on my Cape Cod journey in the hopes of being further inspired by seeing what Edward Hopper saw back in 1934 when the painter build his studio in Truro, Massachusetts. From Fisher Beach...(don't leave your car there -it's only for residents) I walked for 3/4 of a mile to view the studio. I did not have permission to visit the studio but I did try to get a little closer through a steep pathway and staircase when nearby contractor's abruptly screamed out, in a nice way, "Scram Mistah!". Disappointed that I could not see what Hopper saw back in the 1930's ...barren hillsides and sand dunes...instead large mansion"cottages" some that even resembles battleships intrude on the landscape. Still, there is much beauty that remains in this place, like a long walk on the beach which goes on for several miles to Jeremy point.
Cape Cod on Google Maps
One very talented painter that has been at Hopper's studio for 16 residencies is Philip Koch - No Fair! I really wonder what it would be like to stay at Hopper studio... to sit out on the deck with a cup of coffee and paint. (Ok, that is on my bucket list)
A more informative article about Edward Hopper and Cape Cod
"Cape Cod, In Edward Hoppers Light" - New York Times
"Edward Hopper and Cape Cod" - Boston Globe
Earlier in the day, my local friend Tom and I were in Wellfleet on the other side of the cape - beachcomber beach ..but the legendary restaurant was not open yet. With coffee in hand and a camera in the other, as an occasional seal popped its head out of the ocean, we walked on the beach and unlike Henry David Thoreau who found a gold coin while contemplating life ... I found a rusty old dime.
Remember if you need a great Cape Cod Map...consider the one I made. I even included the great bike trails.
Comments
pancho
These are great photos, especially the old classic Life magazine portrait of Hopper near his house. They do not include the newer, more horrific, monster modern home that has marred the landscape. I saw the area when the monster home was stalled and just a horrible and huge concrete foundation, before that house destroyed the environment.
October 08, 2022
Alan Claude
Thank you Nancy for the suggestion!
I will check out Gurnet Light in the Spring when I exhibit at the North Shore Art Festival in Cohasset, MA.
January 11, 2018
Nancy P Barry
Dear Alan – I am still hoping that one day – ONE FINE DAY – when you are in the Cohasset/ Scituate area, you will drive south to Duxbury and take a trip to see the Gurnet Light. It is at the end of Duxbury Beach. If you look at your Cape map, it is at the end of that elbow that sticks out directly across from P-town. In order to get there you will need 4 wheel drive, but if you can find Edward Hopper’s home in Truro on Corn Hill, for sure you can find the Gurnet. The other option is in summer there is a ferry from Plymouth to P-town that goes right by it. In any case, looking forward to seeing you again soon. All the best for a great holiday season. Nancy P. Barry
December 03, 2017
Leave a comment