David Hockney – Versatile Artist

I recently gained a new appreciation for David Hockney's art.  Like many others I previously had him pigeonholed as a painter of swimming pools, often with young men in them.  He is normally called a Pop Artist.

But there is so much more – as you can see from the works I have included in this post.

I will tell you a bit about Hockney.  After I do you might think I've left something out – but this is deliberate – and redresses the balance of commentary just a tad.

Hockney was born in Yorkshire, England in 1937 – the fourth of 5 children. He decided he wanted to be an artist early on and went to the Bradford School of Art and then to the Royal College of Art.

He met up with Andy Warhol on a trip to New York in 1964.  He became based in the US mostly after this – living in Iowa and California.

He spent some time back in the UK but eventually made Los Angeles his permanent residence in 1978.

Back to the UK in 2008 until 2013.

Hockney also designed the sets and costumes for several operas.  He has written/contributed to over 20 books.  He has worked with photography and also does art on his iPad.

Hockney is an eccentric in many ways – one being a staunch supporter of tobacco!

Hockney has been honoured by the Queen becoming a member of the Order of Merit – previously he had turned down a knighthood.

Still alive at the age of 80!  A long and very productive life – art wise.