David Hockney Lithograph of Water Made of Thick and Thin Lines and a Light Blue Wash (M.C.A.T 208) For Sale

The vibrant essence of Californian swimming pools come to life in this lithograph of water, which is part of a wider portfolio of eleven prints, all of which depict the same perspective of a swimming pool in an array of levels of detail and colour. This portfolio is a testament to Hockney’s fascination with the 1970s Californian lifestyle, and his exploration of light and perspective. This lithograph presents us with a blissfully tranquil scene of a swimming pool, complete with a white diving board stretching out across the expanse of rich blue water below. This print stands out from the portfolio, as Hockney has used a darker wash of blue in the pool, which harmoniously matches the wiggling blue lines, representing light refracting off the water. The swimming pool has become synonymous with Hockney, as it was a muse he returned to many times throughout his career. In 2018, Hockney’s seminal Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) was sold at Christies, elevating Hockney to the status as the most expensive living artist of that time, placing him above artists such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

Hockney's move to Los Angeles in the 1960s offered an escape from the dreariness of post-war London, where living well required substantial wealth. In LA, he discovered a new level of sexual liberation. While homosexuality remained illegal in Britain, California's progressive attitude fostered a thriving homosexual community. This relocation was pivotal for Hockney, providing a space where he could openly and proudly express his sexuality. Hockney likened his move to LA as ‘Van Gogh going to Arles’, as he was fascinated by the sharp LA-light he had seen watching Hollywood films, and wanted to capture them himself within his artwork. Hockney describes his fascination with Los Angeles as a new muse, saying ‘There were no paintings of Los Angeles. People then didn’t even know what it looked like. And when I was there, they were still finishing up some of the freeways. I remember seeing, within the first week, a ramp of freeway going into the air, and I suddenly thought: ‘My God, this place needs its Piranesi; Los Angeles could have a Piranesi, so here I am!’