David Hockney Biography
Born in Yorkshire, David Hockney became one of Britain's most celebrated artists. He became seen as a leading figure of the 'pop art' movement - though a title he was not keen on.
From an early age he had a desire to be an artist. At the age of 11 he won a scholarship to Bradford Grammar school. In the first year he purposefully came last in the form so that he would be able to study art - (reserved for non academic boys)
At the age of 16, he was able to leave and devote himself to art. H e studied at the Bradford School of Art for three years. Within a short space of time he gained a reputation as an innovative and talented artist. For 2 years he had to serve in two hospitals for his national service. He chose to be a conscientious objector and not serve in the army.
After serving his time he spent 3 years at the Royal College of Art where he become involved in the modernist movement of artistic expression. In 1961 he moved to New York and travelled to many of the artistic centres around the word; he settled down in Los Angeles in 1978 His artistic reputation and talent enabled him to make a good living from selling his works.
Art of David Hockney
Many of his works are autobiographical in nature. They are reflective and often abstract, quite different in style to the realist painters of the Old Masters.
He retained a close connection to his native in Yorkshire. In 1989, he painted a large scale piece 48" * 120" on Salts Mill, Saltarie, Yorks.