Can you imagine going ten years without selling a painting? How would you handle the emotional trauma you must suffer, the self-doubt, the depression?

Edward Hopper was an American realist painter during the early part of the 20th century. He sold his first painting in 1913 at age 30. He did not have his first solo show until 1920, at the age of 37. At that show, he sold none of his paintings. In fact, he did not sell another painting until 1923, ten years after he sold his first.

I am just starting to sell my work, and I know for sure that I would never last ten years between sales. I don‘t think I would last a year, actually probably a couple of months, before I started questioning my abilities. In fact, I get depressed when I get one rejection by an art show. I would certainly give up before ten years had passed.

Hopper did question his approach, and he knew he needed to make money. He moved away from doing pictures of Europe and focused on Americana. He also moved from watercolors to oils. He took a job as a commercial artist to support himself.

But how he persevered in his artistic endeavors just amazes me. He kept plugging away, refining his technique. He believed in himself. He was a beautiful model of self-confidence and determination.

We all hear stories of how Michael Jordan did not make his junior varsity basketball team in high school. However, he only had to practice for a year before he got chosen for the varsity team. Not to discredit Mr. Jordan, but one year is a lot shorter than ten.

I remember reading a book for writers in which Stephen King was asked when a writer should give up. To paraphrase, he said something like, if you get seven rejections, keep going; 70, keep going. 700? If you get 700 rejections, time to take up painting.

I think Edward Hopper passed the 700 mark. That is how remarkable he was.

Hats off to you, Mr. Hopper. I hope I have the stamina you did.

Edward Hopper Prints, Books, and Videos.