Book critic Kaho Miyako’s sharp insights in her book released last summer, “Why you can’t read as much when you’re working” (Shueisha) launched the book as a best seller in the non-fiction new books category and became a smash hit. I’m sure many can relate- that as much as they want to read more often, there just isn’t that much time. In modern society, it’s even hard to get time for basic hobbies.
So in a world like this, drawing might be the answer. You might think, “what’re they on?”, but you don’t need a pen or paper, or fancy paint. If someone told you you can draw like the UK’s very own David Hockney with just an iPad, you might reconsider.
Now, before we dive into the how and why of drawing with an iPad, let’s dive into Hockney’s journey as an artist.
David Hockney (1937~) is one of the most prolific artists of the modern generation. With his blonde hair, circle lenses and distinct fashion sense as his trademark, many might be surprised to find the deep understanding of art and literature Hockney holds behind his poppy appearance.
Here in Japan, the “David Hockney Exhibit” was held in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, in July of 2023. Some might recall visiting as it was the first big-scale exhibit the museum held in 27 years. This exhibit, featuring over 120 pieces, has varying pieces throughout Hockney’s career, with him mentioning that this exhibit outlines a majority of his life. From lithograph works to pop art, to his famous “portrait series”, 3DCG generations created from his 3,000 photos being analyzed by computers, 90 meter paintings made from his iPad and more- it features some of his robust works.
To lightly reflect on his life- Hockney was born in Bradford in 1937. As he moved out to London to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts, he met the forerunners of British pop art. During his studies, he made a name for himself as an emerging figure in the UK art scene in his mid twenties. Through all of his success in various exhibits around the UK, his heart yearned for LA’s bright skies. In 1964, he went across the pond to live in Los Angeles by himself.
One of his recurring themes, the “Poolside” series based on his move to California, was created around this time. His 1972 work “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” made headlines as the highest paid price for a painting by a living artist, at $90 million USD.
The appeal comes from the robust expressiveness and desire to , for a lack of better terms, dive deeper. From pop art and abstract works that sculpt his artistic backbone, to Picaso and Braque’s cubism, to impressionism-influenced en plein air- Hockney did it all. Hockney constantly breaks the mold of styles and expression ways in distinct fashion, like utilizing scrolls and Japanese yards (from when he experienced culture shock visiting the Ryu-an Ji in Kyoto) as an inspiration for some of his works.
Furthermore, photo collages, stages, and even 3D rendering are some ways that Hockney has used to evolve his craft. Since his debut, praise and recognition is second nature to Hockney’s work.
Hockney works and creates with the versatility of a chameleon, but it’s not that he doesn’t have a “core” for his work. His main focus stemmed from the realities he saw with his eyes, and his pursuit to draw up the exact thing he saw. One can say that his “core” exists in the pursuit of “seeing” reality and looking for definitions within his art.
Now, why does Hockney draw with an iPad? What led him to that?
Stay tuned for part 2 to answer your questions.
