Ethan Cornelius
12/5/20
The Art of David Hockney
Perhaps the thing that stands out about the work of David Hockney is the distinct mark making style. Hockney has forayed into a large variety of media, but retains a characteristic painterly stroke throughout. His signature method of drawing revolves around sculpting his page in blocks of color, with an understanding that they will come together in the final drawing. Many of his paintings feature bold, bright color choices that manage to pop out without being jarring. Hockney also seems to take care in taking advantage of a technique not unlike pen hashing with his paintings and charcoal. As seen in his charcoal drawing, “Worldgate” (2012), he often takes advantage of white space and the gap between marks to create a difference in value. Upon close inspection many of Hockney’s drawings have solid strokes that are clearly visible, but upon taking a step back does the whole experience come together.
Hockney’s art is considered a part of the “pop art movement”, and as such is simple, but striking images of everyday scenes and items. This is a large catalyst behind his mark making as previously mentioned. Hockney’s outdoor works and portraits lean heavily into this style with their bright colors. Hockney is known to have Synthesia, and thus has a special relationship with colors and concepts. This can be seen in how his art uses colors very intentionally to portray themes.
Here is a drawing that I did of my brother trying to use some of his mark making techniques
Citations
David Hockney. 6 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hockney.
“Synesthesia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia.
www.hockney.com/home.