David Hockney's Works on Paper

Hockney's journey into the world of art began in the early 1950s, marking the start of a career that would see him become one of the most influential artists of the century. His initial forays into paper art during these formative years laid the foundation for his later successes and set the tone for his unique artistic language.

Hockney's interest in art was evident from an early age and he attended the Bradford College of Art from 1953 to 1957 and later the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, where he honed his skills in painting and drawing. These institutions were instrumental in nurturing his talent, providing him with both the technical training and the creative freedom he needed to develop his distinct style. During this time, Hockney was heavily influenced by the works of poets and writers, as well as by historical and contemporary artists like Francis Bacon, whose expressionistic style would leave a lasting impression on Hockney's approach to figure and form.

Hockney's early works on paper explored various mediums, including pencil, ink, and watercolour, which allowed him to express his ideas with immediacy and precision. His early drawings and paintings often depicted autobiographical themes, reflecting his experiences as a young artist and his observations of the world around him. In these early years, Hockney began developing a distinctive style characterised by a playful yet thoughtful approach to composition and colour. He experimented with a range of subjects, from intimate portraits to abstract designs, each work reflecting a deep interest in the nuances of visual storytelling. His style was marked by a combination of traditional techniques with modern, often unconventional, approaches to art-making.

Hockney's artistic oeuvre is a testament to his mastery and innovation in various mediums, especially in his works on paper. His approach to creating art is defined by experimentation and a fearless embrace of new technologies, all while maintaining a profound respect for classical methods.

Hockney's journey in the arts began with traditional techniques, and he is proficient in pencil, ink and charcoal drawings, often using these to sketch out his initial ideas and compositions. His drawings, characterised by their delicate lines and attention to detail, range from intimate portraits to expansive landscapes. In addition to drawing, Hockney has also utilised watercolours and gouache in his works on paper. These mediums allow him to explore a softer, more fluid style, perfect for capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and shadow.

Printmaking holds a special place in Hockney's artistic repertoire. He has extensively explored etching and lithography, creating series that are both technically challenging and visually striking. His printmaking often involves a complex interplay of lines and colours, and the immediacy and unpredictability of printmaking seem to resonate with Hockney's spontaneous and experimental nature.

In the 1980s, Hockney began creating what he called "joiners" – photo collages that pieced together Polaroid snaps or photolab prints to create a composite image. These works challenged traditional perspectives, presenting scenes in a multi-dimensional and almost cubist manner. The joiners' not only showcased Hockney's innovative approach to visual storytelling but also his keen interest in exploring the nature of perception and representation.

For the past decade, Hockney has embraced digital technology, particularly the use of tablets and digital drawing tools. These have allowed him to experiment with digital brushstrokes, creating artworks that combined the immediacy of traditional drawing and painting with the versatility of digital media. His digital works, printed on paper, often feature vibrant colours and dynamic compositions, reflecting his ongoing exploration and adaptation of new artistic tools.

Hockney has never been one to shy away from mixing different media. He often incorporates photographs, text, and even elements of stage design into his works on paper. This interdisciplinary approach not only adds depth and texture to his art but also blurs the boundaries between different artistic forms, from visual art to theatre.

Hockney’s Watercolours

Hockney's venture into watercolours unveils a softer, more ethereal facet of his artistic repertoire, distinct from his often vibrant and bold creations in other mediums. Watercolour, with its delicate and translucent qualities, allowed Hockney to explore a different spectrum of expression, characterised by subtlety and fluidity. His watercolour paintings often depict serene landscapes, intimate domestic scenes, and quiet still lifes, where the medium's inherent lightness and transparency perfectly capture the fleeting nuances of light and atmosphere. This approach results in artworks that are luminous and reflective, offering a contemplative view of the world that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. Hockney's mastery of watercolours demonstrates his extraordinary ability to adapt his style to the characteristics of the medium, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his continuous exploration of new avenues of artistic expression. Some of his best-known watercolours were done in several sheets of paper during a 2002 visit to Iceland, showing how he has also adapted the paper itself to fit his larger artistic vision.

Photography

Hockney's exploration of photography represents another intriguing facet of his artistic journey, where he challenges traditional perspectives and explores the boundaries of visual storytelling. Notably, his joiners stand out as a significant innovation. These photographic compositions break away from the single viewpoint typical of conventional photography, instead offering a multifaceted representation of time and space. Hockney's approach to photography blurs the lines between reality and illusion, inviting viewers to engage with the fragmented yet cohesive scenes he constructs. This method demonstrates Hockney's willingness to experiment and push the limits of different mediums, and highlights his deep interest in examining and deconstructing the ways we perceive and interpret the world around us. Through his photographic works, Hockney adds yet another dimension to his diverse and influential oeuvre, reaffirming his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.

Digital Drawings

Hockney's foray into digital drawings marks a significant chapter, showcasing his innovative spirit. Embracing technology, Hockney began creating art using iPads, a move that allowed him to experiment with a new form of expression. These digital creations, such as those in the Yosemite Suite or in the Arrival of Spring, are characterised by their vibrant colours and dynamic compositions, which are then translated from the digital screen to the physical world through a meticulous printing process. Utilising advanced printing techniques, these artworks are brought to life on paper, ensuring that the colours remain as vivid and the lines as sharp as they appeared on the digital canvas. This seamless transition from digital to print bridges the gap between traditional and modern art forms and exemplifies Hockney's ongoing commitment to exploring and expanding the boundaries of artistic creation while still using paper.

Hockney's contribution to contemporary art extends far beyond his own prolific body of work. As one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Hockney has left an impact that can be seen in various aspects of contemporary art, from the way artists approach their subject matter to the techniques and mediums they use.

In an era when abstract expressionism and conceptual art were dominant, Hockney's commitment to figurative art was refreshing and revolutionary. His bold, colourful portrayals of everyday scenes and landscapes brought a new vitality to traditional subject matters. He has been a critical figure in sustaining and rejuvenating interest in figurative painting, influencing countless artists who have sought to explore the human form and their environments in their work. His innovative use of colour and form has also been a significant influence, and his ability to blend vibrant hues with unique compositions has inspired artists to push the boundaries of conventional colour theory and spatial arrangements. His playful yet calculated approach to form and perspective has encouraged a more experimental and open-ended approach to visual representation. Furthermore, Hockney has always been at the forefront of incorporating technology in art. His embrace of digital tools like Photoshop and the iPad has revolutionised his own artistic practice but also paved the way for other artists to explore these technologies. Still, he remains loyal to the humble paper, also encouraging other artists to not overlook more traditional media.

Hockney's deeply personal and narrative-driven approach to art has encouraged artists to explore more autobiographical and introspective themes. His open portrayal of his life, especially as a gay man during a time when homosexuality was less accepted, has been inspirational for artists exploring themes of identity, sexuality and personal storytelling.

Hockney's legacy is not just in the artworks he has created, but also in the creative spirit he has fostered in the generations that follow.