David Hockney (1937-2026)

It was with great sadness that I read of David Hockney’s passing at the weekend. Hockney was a giant of the contemporary art scene, contributing to that great British idea, Pop Art and living through an age of unprecedented change in the technique of painting. 

David Hockney (Bradford, 1937 - London, 2026)
David Hockney (Bradford, 1937 – London, 2026)

A Bigger Splash is the painting which I have chosen to commemorate his life. Born in England at a time when homosexuality was a criminal act, Hockney left his homeland to carve out his creative career in Los Angeles. This painting fully represents the young Hockney’s love of light and life in acrylic paint. 

David Hockney, A Bigger Splash, 1967, acrylic on canvas, 243cm x 244cm, The Tate Gallery, London.
David Hockney, A Bigger Splash, 1967, acrylic on canvas, 243cm x 244cm, The Tate Gallery, London.

Hockney’s oeuvre of work is immense and I cannot do it justice here but would highlight his embracing of new technology. Many of his later works represented earlier themes of portraits, double portraits, often of the famous, and a return to the Yorkshire landscapes both in paint and on iPad. His innovative approach to art will be sadly missed.

David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 2011, iPad drawing.
David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 2011, iPad drawing.

6 Comments Add yours

  1. Barbara's avatar Barbara says:

    Hello Gordon Thank you – couldn’t  agree more. Have you seen the wonderful photos of him here https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/david-hockney-28-of-the-most-beautiful-photographs-taken-in-the-artists-home if you hunt about you can also find his fabulous early flat

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    1. Thanks for the link. What a fabulous collection of photographs and so full of life. Gordon.

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      1. Barbara's avatar Barbara says:

        28 Dunstan StreetSherborneDT9 3SE01935 817588

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  2. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    one of the most famous artists of our time his work is very distinctive xx

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    1. Every exhibition of his work brings more interest and emotion. Makes you feel proud to be British!

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  3. Barbara's avatar Barbara says:

    Hi Gordon – thank you for putting the link to H&G Photos but it needs a bit lopped off the end to make it work

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