CELIA WITH GREEN HAT, 1984: Lithograph print by David Hockney from the Mpving Focus series

 

Celia with Green Hat, 1985, is a signed and dated lithograph by David Hockney from his experimental Moving Focus series. The work depicts Celia Birtwell, one of Hockney’s closest friends and most enduring artistic subjects, seated with her hands resting beneath her chin and dressed in a blue jumper. Her distinctive features are emphasised through bold colour and expressive line, with her green eyes, blonde curled hair, and the green hat referenced in the title drawing focus to her face. Over several decades, Birtwell appeared across numerous paintings, drawings, and prints, reflecting a creative partnership that extends beyond a traditional artist–muse relationship.

 

In Celia with Green Hat, 1985, Hockney moves beyond simple likeness to convey a deeper sense of familiarity and emotional presence. The composition combines stylised form with vibrant colour, using simplified shapes and controlled line work to construct a portrait that feels both intimate and visually dynamic. As part of the Moving Focus series, the work reflects Hockney’s broader interest in perception and representation, while also standing as a compelling example of his ability to capture character through colour, structure, and personal connection.