David Hockney - RIP

[canuckup]

What a guy:

When he made it to London’s Royal College of Art (RCA) in 1959, the other students mocked his Yorkshire accent but he knew his worth even then.

‘I’d look at their artworks and I’d think, well, if I drew like that, I’d keep my mouth shut.’

Yorkshire pride.

Definitely RIP. One of our best.

He will sadly missed. It amuses me that he and Alan Bennett would sign each others autographs as they looked and sounded so similar.

His art was (is) so joyful in comparison to many modern artists. He published a book of the work he created during COVID, which he called “Spring cannot be cancelled” which felt so consoling and optimistic.

The RCA bent their own rules to admit DH. He refused to submit any written work, arguing that his art should be sufficient to get the diploma. He won. Thank goodness. But he would have stayed true to form in any scenario like this. And very ready with a pithy Yorkshire riposte. Such a huge part of UK cultural life as well as globally. It hasn't quite sunk in yet. RIP.

This afternoon I was flicking through Blue Sky while waiting for a friend. I came across a post that literally made me laugh out loud.

when Hockney first took his Mam to Calafornia, she said "eeh David, all this nice weather and nobody's got their washing out".

as Yorkshire woman, I know exactly how his Mam fely.

Rip. He left some stunning pictures.

RIP.
The exhibition of his Dog Days series at Salts Mill in the mid 90s indirectly resulted in a considerable beneficial influence on my life. He kept working and doing new things all his long life. One of the people who has really enriched the world.

I'd like to think that whereever he is now, he is surrounded by beautiful sights, paintbrush in hand and with his beloved Stanley and Boodgie nearby. Rest well, Yorkshire legend.

I have to admit, I know very little of his art but hearing all about him on the TV earlier has definitely motivated me to learn more.