David Hockney's Pool Paintings: Splashes of California Dreams

By Kris Ghesquière

David Hockney, born in 1937 in Bradford, England, is widely regarded as one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. Renowned for his vibrant use of color and innovative techniques, Hockney's series of pool paintings stands as a seminal body of work that encapsulates his fascination with light, space, and the California lifestyle. These paintings, created primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, not only capture the idyllic allure of Southern California but also mark significant developments in Hockney's artistic journey.


The Genesis of the Pool Paintings

In 1964, David Hockney moved from the gray, industrial environment of London to the bright, expansive landscapes of Los Angeles. This move marked a pivotal moment in his career. The stark contrast between England's overcast skies and California's perpetual sunshine provided Hockney with new inspiration. The abundance of swimming pools in Los Angeles, a luxury and symbol of affluence not commonly found in England at the time, fascinated him.

Hockney reflected on this transition: 'As we flew in over Los Angeles, I looked down to see blue swimming pools all over, and I realized that a swimming pool in England would have been a luxury, whereas here they are not, because of the climate.'

The first pool painting, 'Picture of a Hollywood Swimming Pool' (1964), was created shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles. This work marked the beginning of his exploration into capturing the transparent and reflective qualities of water—a challenging subject for any artist. The swimming pool became a recurring motif, symbolizing not just leisure and luxury but also representing a new way of life that contrasted sharply with his experiences in England.

Iconic Pool Paintings

'A Bigger Splash' (1967)

Perhaps the most famous of Hockney's pool paintings, 'A Bigger Splash' epitomizes his mature style within this series, depicting a modernist house with a large swimming pool. The calm surface of the water is disrupted by a dramatic splash, indicating a diver has just entered, though the diver remains unseen. Hockney used acrylic paint to create flat, vibrant areas of color, with the background painted quickly while the splash itself was meticulously crafted over weeks. The absence of figures draws the viewer's attention to the splash, capturing a fleeting moment frozen in time and reflecting themes of transience and the interplay between natural and artificial elements.

'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)' (1972)

This painting combines Hockney's interest in portraiture with his pool motif, portraying a man in a pink jacket standing at the edge of a pool, gazing down at another figure swimming underwater. The work is often interpreted as a reflection on personal relationships and emotional distance. In 2018, it sold at Christie's for $90.3 million, setting a record at the time for a work by a living artist.


Artistic Techniques and Innovations

Hockney's use of acrylic paints allowed him to achieve bright, saturated colors and flat planes, which contributed to the modernist aesthetic of his works. The vibrant hues of turquoise blues for water and warm yellows and pinks for the surroundings emphasized the contrast between the natural and built environments, creating a dynamic interplay of color and form.

To depict water, Hockney developed innovative methods to represent its qualities, using wavy lines, splashes, and varying shades to convey movement and transparency. He employed layering techniques to create depth and the illusion of light penetrating the water. Hockney himself described the challenge of representing water, noting, 'It is a formal problem to represent water, to describe water, because it can be anything. It can be any color, and it has no set visual description.'

Hockney's approach to perspective and composition was influenced by Cubism, as he often combined multiple viewpoints within a single composition. Even while depicting three-dimensional spaces, he maintained a sense of flatness, challenging traditional notions of depth and inviting viewers to engage with the scene in new and unexpected ways.

Cultural Significance and Impact

Hockney's pool paintings have become iconic representations of the idyllic California lifestyle during the 1960s and 1970s. The swimming pool symbolized luxury, relaxation, and the allure of the West Coast, capturing the essence of leisure. At the same time, his work reflected the era's shifting attitudes towards sexuality, freedom, and modern living, embodying the spirit of social change that defined the period.

Hockney's focus on everyday scenes contributed to a renewed interest in figurative art, sparking a revival of figurative painting. His innovative techniques and themes have inspired future generations of artists, especially those exploring light, color, and personal identity. His influence is seen across the art world, where his approach to capturing the ordinary continues to resonate with artists seeking to find meaning in the everyday.

The aesthetic of Hockney's pool paintings has also permeated various aspects of pop culture and design. In fashion and interior design, his vibrant color palettes and motifs have served as inspiration, while his imagery has been adapted in music videos, films, and commercials, symbolizing modernity and sophistication. The enduring appeal of Hockney's work lies in its ability to transcend the canvas, becoming a cultural touchstone that continues to influence visual culture.


Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon their initial exhibition, Hockney's pool paintings were celebrated for their boldness and innovative approach. Critics praised his ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes, capturing the essence of leisure, introspection, and the vibrant California lifestyle. The works resonated with audiences for their striking use of color and perspective, as well as their exploration of the interplay between natural and artificial environments.

The enduring appeal of Hockney's pool paintings lies in their timeless themes and cultural relevance. The depiction of leisure and introspection continues to captivate viewers, while the high auction prices reflect the lasting significance and demand for his work. Notably, 'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)' sold for $90.3 million in 2018, and 'The Splash' achieved £23.1 million at Sotheby's in 2020, illustrating the appreciation for his pool series and its impact on the art market.

Hockney's pool paintings have been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, further cementing their importance in contemporary art. The Tate Britain retrospective in 2017 included several of his pool paintings, highlighting their central role in his career. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has showcased his works in exhibitions exploring modernism and contemporary art, while the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has featured his pool series, emphasizing his influence on Californian art. Hockney's legacy endures, inspiring new generations of artists and continuing to shape the conversation around modern art.

Legacy and Influence

Hockney's pool paintings subtly incorporate themes of sexuality and identity, offering an expression of freedom that was especially significant during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in England. By depicting aspects of gay domestic life, Hockney's work became a cultural milestone, contributing to greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ themes in art. His paintings not only celebrated a personal narrative but also resonated with broader themes of liberation and belonging.

In addition to their cultural impact, Hockney's work was marked by his willingness to embrace new technologies and media. He continued to innovate throughout his career, experimenting with photography, photocollage, and digital art. One notable example is his use of Polaroid composites, such as 'Sun on the Pool Los Angeles' (1982), where he combined multiple photographs to capture different perspectives and create a dynamic, fragmented vision of the scene. These explorations demonstrated his commitment to pushing the boundaries of how art could represent time, space, and experience.

Hockney's legacy is characterized by his ability to intersect personal storytelling with broader cultural and technological shifts. His pool paintings and later works serve as both a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and a testament to his artistic curiosity, influencing generations of artists who seek to explore themes of freedom, technology, and self-expression.


Conclusion

David Hockney's pool paintings represent a convergence of personal experience, artistic innovation, and cultural commentary. Through his masterful depiction of light, color, and form, Hockney immortalized the essence of California's allure. These works continue to captivate audiences, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their profound exploration of themes like identity, perception, and the fleeting nature of moments.

By inviting viewers into a world of sun-soaked tranquility and introspection, Hockney's pool paintings affirm his place as a visionary who reshaped modern art. They stand as timeless icons, reflecting both a specific era and universal human experiences.

References:

1. Livingstone, Marco. David Hockney. Thames & Hudson, 1981.
2. Howgate, Sarah. David Hockney Portraits. National Portrait Gallery, 2006.
3. Elliott, Patrick. David Hockney: A Printmaker. National Galleries of Scotland, 2012.
4. Tate Britain. 'David Hockney Exhibition 2017.' www.tate.org.uk
5. Christie's Auction House. 'Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale Results.' www.christies.com
6. Sotheby's Auction House. 'David Hockney's 'The Splash' Sale Results.' www.sothebys.com
7. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). 'David Hockney: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life.' www.lacma.org
8. Hanson, Dian. Interview with David Hockney, Taschen, 2009.
9. Hockney, David. Paper Pools. Thames & Hudson, 1980.
10. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 'David Hockney.' www.moma.org