Western Motel (Hopper)
Contrary to Mark Strand’s claim that Hopper did not paint cars,
there is at least one Hopper painting in which an automobile appears.
It is not Nighthawks, not Gas, not Four Lane Road, it is in Western Motel.
A green Buick has stopped outside the room in which our well dressed occupant
waits for her traveling companion to return from checking out. Bags are packed
and ready to be stowed in the capacious Roadmaster trunk. Our impatient traveler
has seen more than enough of the room and the view. She is ready to move on.
Perhaps there is a plane to catch, or a train waiting. If they leave now, there is time
to make the connection. Are you ready? Shall we go?