This image was drawn on the back of Edward Hopper’s third grade report card dated October 23, 1891, when Hopper was nine years old. Edward Hopper (1882-1967), Little Boy Looking at the Sea, n.d., ink on paper, 4.5 x 3.5 in.
Notes:
- Source: Thank you Kurt @ Cultural Offering via Artdaily.org: Edward Hopper House unveils new collection of the American artist’s early years and memorabilia.
- Related Posts: Edward Hopper: Morning Sun

Damn, feeling inadequate and it isn’t even 5a…
Laughing. I thought the exact same thing. I can’t even draw a stick today, forget about 3rd grade.
Whoa – defines natural talent (of which I have none). I’m such a fan – apparently even of his early, early work…
Exactly. (I have less than none. I draw, it’s an embarrassment). And so me too on fan club status.
Wow! I’ve always been such a fan of Hopper’s. So sad to think that even as a small child, he already was so sad and melancholy. What a lonely drawing. I’d love to see the flip side and see what his grades were and any comments his teachers made!
Dora, thanks. I thought the same. Exactly the same.
Amazing! 👏
Isn’t it though?!?!
Budding genius. I wonder if his teacher noticed ?
Such a great question Van.
Wikipedia says Hopper was a good student in grade school… and that his parents recognized his talent by the time he was 5 years old and fed it with supplies and training. Back then, in the late 1800’s, I think parents didn’t push the responsibility of their children’s futures onto their teachers like too many do now.
Didn’t know this Dan. Thanks for the insight. And I tend to agree as to our teachers expected to carry this load today.
I’d completely ignore the grades on flip side if my child brought home this. Perhaps that was the idea?
Yes!
Do we know who drew it? Edward, age nine? Or someone else?
Hopper drew it. I think at age 9
Very talented!
I did not know his work – so I googled him. Love his style.
As for talent coming out at a young age, I think this happens more think!
I, too, was wondering what his grades were! LOL…
I was pleased to see that his parents encouraged his art from a very young age – so many are not given the same gift because of lack of means or lack of belief that it is a suitable career…
You hadn’t heard of Hooper. What part of the Northern part of Northwest Territories do you hale from?
I know, I know… hangs head in shame….
Wow. Just Wow.
Isn’t it though!?!?!
i am in wow with him and his talent.
So me too.
I love this! The simplicity of it, and the subject is pure Hopper. Wonderful find. Thanks for sharing.
Agree! And to create this so young. Wow.
If you’ve got it; you’ve got it. If you ain’t; you ain’t… 🙂
Bingo!
Not a huge Hopper fan, but I love this drawing. My youngest daughter used to draw pictures of whole crowds from the back when she was very young. She’s a good artist still, but it was the first time I had seen a kid do this with such detail. Coool.
Anything that you can share of your daughter’s work?
Not currently. When she finished grad school and settled down with a partner, she sent for her boxes of ‘stuff.’ Which included her sketchbooks. Now she thinks she knows where they are, but she’s not sure. I hope she finds them, because there’s some irreplaceable stuff there. :*(
Ok. We’ll wait Bela. :).
Me too! What choice do I have? 😉
So much emotion. Love Hopper. Thanks for posting.
Me too Tracey. Thanks.