David Hockney (1937 –) was born in England and later moved between the U.K. and the United States before settling in California at age 41. He lived in Malibu and the Hollywood Hills, becoming deeply inspired by the light and colors of Los Angeles. The brightness and atmosphere of the city strongly influenced his artistic style.
From a young age, Hockney was passionate about art. He focused so much on making art that he had little interest in other subjects, which led him to take private calligraphy lessons to support his overall education. He studied at the Bradford School of Art in 1953, where he pursued his artistic training, and later attended the Royal College of Art in 1959. There, he absorbed new ideas from his professors and was awarded the Royal College of Art gold medal for his outstanding achievements.
During this time, he encountered Abstract Expressionism and studied differences between American and French paintings. His work began to move away from his earlier style and became more abstract. He also drew inspiration from poetry, including works by Walt Whitman, to express ideas visually. In the 1960s, he became well known as a major figure in British Pop Art.
A turning point in his early career was his painting A Grand Procession of Dignitaries in the Semi-Egyptian Style (1961), which he later described as the moment he became aware of himself as an artist rather than an art student.
At age 27, Hockney moved to Los Angeles, where his style changed again. His paintings became brighter and more vibrant reflecting a Californian atmosphere.
One example is on the cover, Nichols Canyon (1980), an acrylic painting of a winding road in the Hollywood Hills. Based on routes he often traveled between his home in Hollywood Hills and studio on Santa Monica Boulevard, the work uses strong color and energetic brushwork to capture the movement and feeling of Southern California.
With his consistent dedication to creating art, he was later awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing his importance in British art.
Hockney’s works show how life in Los Angeles has shaped both his artistic style and the way he expresses color in every scene.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
April 3, 2026 World Tribune, p. 12
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