Lithograph of water made of lines with two light blue washes, 1978-80: Lithograph print by David Hockney

  • Lithograph of water made of lines with two light blue washes, 1978-80

    Lithograph of water made of lines with two light blue washes, 1978-80

    Lithograph on paper, edition of 35 (16 proofs), 66 x 87.6cm 

    ©David Hockney

    Back to: Lithographic water series

     

    David Hockney's Lithograph of Water Made of Lines with Two Light Blue Washes, 1978–1980 is one of the works from the acclaimed Lithographic Water series, demonstrating his continued exploration of how line and colour can convey the movement and transparency of water. Produced as a lithograph on paper in an edition of 35 with 16 proofs, the composition presents Hockney's familiar swimming pool and diving board from an elevated perspective. Delicate blue linear marks ripple across the tiled pool floor, while two soft light blue washes introduce subtle tonal variation, creating the impression of sunlight filtering through calm, clear water.

     

    Created in collaboration with master printer Kenneth Tyler at Tyler Graphics, Lithograph of Water Made of Lines with Two Light Blue Washes exemplifies Hockney's mastery of lithography and his fascination with perception. The combination of precise line work and translucent washes gives the print remarkable depth, allowing the water to appear both transparent and in constant motion. As part of the eleven-print Lithographic Water series, the work demonstrates how slight adjustments in colour and technique can dramatically alter the atmosphere of an otherwise identical composition, reinforcing Hockney's lifelong interest in depicting the ever-changing qualities of water.

  • “I think I’m greedy, but I’m not greedy for money - I think that can be a burden - I’m greedy for an exciting life.”

     

    - David Hockney

    Created between 1978 and 1980, Lithograph of Water Made of Lines with Two Light Blue Washes forms part of David Hockney's celebrated Lithographic Water series, developed after his experimental Paper Pools. Returning repeatedly to the same swimming pool composition, Hockney used each print to investigate new combinations of line, tone and colour rather than changing the subject itself. This variation introduces two delicate blue washes that soften the composition and enhance the illusion of depth, reflecting Hockney's belief that water has "no set visual description" and is constantly transformed by light and atmosphere.