David Hockney, Artist of California Light and Color, Dies at 88

David Hockney, the celebrated British artist renowned for his brightly colored renditions of California, has died at the age of 88, Sky News reported Friday. Hockney's work captured the dazzling light and sun-drenched lifestyle of Los Angeles, where he moved in search of the vibrant hues he first noticed in Hollywood films as a child.

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Strong shadows meant a lot of sun. So I thought, well, wherever that is, it's always sunny.

Born in northern England, Hockney rebelled against convention and rose to prominence in London's pop art movement. He later relocated to California, drawn by the intense light and color, famously stating, "I thought people who produced such work must live in color, so I went in search of it." His iconic paintings of swimming pools became symbols of this Californian idyll.

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I thought people who produced such work must live in color, so I went in search of it.

Hockney maintained an unpretentious demeanor despite his global success. He described himself as "still a student" and was known for his distinctive personal style, including thick-rimmed spectacles and peroxide hair. His art, which later featured his dogs as his life became more domestic, garnered immense acclaim, with one painting selling for $90.3 million in 2018, a record for a living artist at the time. His influence extended beyond painting, making him one of the most significant British artists of his era.

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I had spent the first 20 years of my life in the gothic gloom of the North. Here I felt free.