Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

NightHawks by Edward Hopper created in 1942 is a painting that portrays people sitting in a downtown diner late at night. The term night-hawk is a term used figuratively to refer to someone who stays up late. Hopper began painting immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the resulting gloominess that was felt across the country was portrayed in the painting. The scene also uses the new invention of fluorescent lights so as to depict an eerie glow on the diner. (Edward Hopper, Wikipedia)

       Hopper uses different techniques to enhance carefully constructed shapes and diagonals, which is a recurring theme in his paintings. The viewpoint is cinematic from the sidewalk as if the viewer is approaching the diner. There is very little interaction between characters adding to the feeling of loneliness. This loneliness is a major theme in this painting and this feeling is instantly stuck into the viewer due to the grim colors and detached characters. The loneliness of the man with his back facing the sidewalk is contrasted by the couple sitting across from him. This contrast allows the viewer to distinguish how this man is even lonely when there are people around. The urban setting also gives the sense that even when one is not alone they can feel alone. (Nighthawks, Wikipedia)