Edward Hopper’s “Adobe Houses,” created in 1925, is a watercolor depiction of a landscape that embraces the aesthetic principles of New Realism. Part of Hopper’s oeuvre, this piece exemplifies his stark yet detailed portrayal of American life and architecture. Currently, the artwork resides in a private collection, sequestering it from public view but preserving its historical and cultural value.
The artwork features a series of angular adobe structures that dominate the foreground, their earthen hues reflecting the arid environment. The flat planes and minimal ornamentation of the buildings are typical of the adobe style, encapsulating a sense of the architectural vernacular of the region depicted. Shadows and highlights are masterfully rendered to give a palpable sense of the hot, bright sunlight casting crisp outlines on the structures. In the background, gently rising hills provide a contrasting softness to the otherwise sharp geometries of the buildings. With no visible human presence, the artwork conveys a feeling of solitude and the enduring presence of the landscape, themes often explored in Hopper’s work.
