Edward Hopper is an American realist artist whos work was often quite private and who made introspection and solitude important themes in his painting.
His subject matter was derived from common features in American life. These included motels, gas stations, railways and even empty streets.
Hopper depicts ruraly scenes with the same sense of forlorn solitude that he uses to portray city life. His work exploits vast empty spaces which could be represented by a lonely gas station at the side of an empty country road, also emphasising the sharp contrast between the natural light of the sky and the artificial light which glares from inside the gas station.

In 1925 Hopper produced "House by the Railroad." This is the first in his series of stark urban and rural scenes that use sharp lines and big shapes, with unusual lighting cast upon them to capture the lonely mood.


"House by the Railroad" (1925)







One of his best known paintings is called "Nighthawks" (1942) This depicts customers sitting at the counter of an all night diner. The gentle night outside is a stark contrast to the diner's harsh electric light. The diners appear completely isolated and almost scary looking.


"Nighthawks" (1942)





Hopper's dramatic use of lights and darks has made him popular with filmakers. "House by the Railroad" is said to have been an influence on the house in the film "Psycho" by Alfred Hitchcock.

I think the use of lighting and the theme of isolation work really well together. You can definately see the influence in "Psycho."