15 Inspirational David Hockney Quotes

David Hockney Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

David Hockney, the British artist, is known for his vibrant and colourful paintings. His work has inspired many artists and art enthusiasts around the world.

In this article I have listed 15 inspirational quotes by David Hockney that are both insightful and motivating. These quotes highlight the importance of authenticity, observation, communication, perception, playfulness, and creativity in art. They also emphasise the interconnectedness of different aspects of life and encourage people to think more holistically. Whether you’re an artist or simply someone who appreciates art, these quotes are sure to inspire you to see the world in a new light.

Why David Hockney is an Inspirational Artist

David Hockney is a British artist who has made significant contributions to the world of art. He is known for his unique style and his ability to capture the essence of the world around him. Hockney’s work spans several decades and includes paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs.

Hockney’s early work was characterised by his use of bright colours and bold lines. He was associated with the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and was known for his depictions of everyday objects and scenes. In the 1970s, Hockney began experimenting with photography and created a series of photo collages that were exhibited around the world.

In the 1980s, Hockney returned to painting and began creating large-scale works that explored themes of nature and landscape. He also continued to experiment with photography and created a series of Polaroid collages that were later turned into paintings.

In recent years, Hockney has continued to produce new works and has embraced digital technology as a means of artistic expression. He has created several works using an iPad and has exhibited his digital drawings in galleries around the world.

David Hockney is an artist who has had a profound impact on the world of art. His unique style, use of colour, and ability to capture the essence of the world around him have made him an inspiration to artists everywhere.

Click here to find out more about the life and work of David Hockney.

David Hockney’s Inspiring Quotes

David Hockney, a renowned British artist, has made several insightful remarks about art, life, and the creative process. Here are 15 of his most inspirational quotes:

1. “What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought.”

This David Hockney quote highlights the importance of art as a means of communication and connection between people.

2. “I believe that the very process of looking can make a thing beautiful.”

This quote by David Hockney encourages us to take the time to appreciate the beauty in everyday objects and experiences.

3. “If you are not playful you are not alive.”

David Hockney reminds us that playfulness and creativity go hand in hand, and that we should never lose our sense of wonder and curiosity.

4. “It takes a long time to make it simple.”

This quote is a testament to the importance of simplicity in art and design. It reminds us that creating something that appears effortless often requires a great deal of effort.

5. “The camera can’t see space. It sees surfaces. People see space, which is much more interesting.”

This David Hockney quote challenges us to think about how we perceive the world around us and encourages us to look beyond what is immediately visible.

6. “Faces are the most interesting things we see; other people fascinate me, and the most interesting aspect of other people - the point where we go inside them - is the face. It tells all.”

David Hockney highlights the importance of human connection and encourages us to take the time to truly see and understand others.

7. “If we are to change our world view, images have to change.”

In this quote, David Hockney explains that art has the power to shape our perceptions of the world around us and encourages us to use our creativity to effect positive change.

8. “In art, new ways of seeing mean new ways of feeling; you can’t divorce the two, as, we are now aware, you cannot have time without space and space without time.”

David Hockney highlights the interconnectedness of art and emotion and encourages us to explore new perspectives in order to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.

9. “You must plan to be spontaneous.”

This quote by David Hockney reminds us that creativity often requires structure and planning in order to flourish.

10. “Of course you can still paint landscape - it’s not been worn out.”

David Hockney encourages us to find inspiration in nature and reminds us that there is always something new to discover.

11. “We don’t all see the same way at all. Even if I’m sitting looking at you, there is always the memory of you as well. And a memory is now. So someone who’s never met you before is seeing a different person. That’s bound to be the case. We all see something different.”

In this David Hockney quote, he highlights that the subjectivity of perception encourages us to embrace our unique attributes.

12. “Enjoyment of the landscape is a thrill.”

David Hockney reminds us that nature has the power to inspire awe and wonder in all of us.

13. “Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer and clearer still, until your eyes ache.”

This David Hockney quote highlights the importance of observation in art and encourages us to take the time to truly see what is around us.

14. “I draw flowers every day and send them to my friends so they get fresh blooms every morning.”

This quote is a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on those around us.

15. “In the end nobody knows how it’s done — how art is made. It can’t be explained. Optical devices are just tools. Understanding a tool doesn’t explain the magic of creation. Nothing can.”

David Hockney suggests that art is not just about the final product but also about the process of creation. The quote also highlights the limitations of technology in capturing the essence of art. It implies that art is something that cannot be fully understood or explained, but rather experienced and appreciated.

My Final Thoughts on How David Hockney Can Inspire Us

Through David Hockney’s quotes, he encourages us to embrace our creativity, challenge the status quo, and find beauty in unexpected places. Whether you’re an artist or simply someone who appreciates art, David Hockney’s work is sure to inspire you to see the world in a new light. I would love to hear your thoughts on the quotes I have listed, please feel free to email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.

For more motivational quotes from other artists, please read here.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you might like…

Previous
Previous

The Best Art Museums in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Next
Next

How Did Jackson Pollock Create His Paintings?