Lithograph of water made of lines and a green wash, 1978-1980: Lithograph print by David Hockney

Back to: Lithographic water series

David Hockney's Lithograph of Water Made of Lines and a Green Wash, 1978–1980 is a striking variation from the celebrated Lithographic Water series, continuing his exploration of how line, colour and printmaking can capture the ever-changing qualities of water. Produced as a lithograph on handmade TGL paper in an edition of 36, the composition depicts a familiar swimming pool and diving board from an elevated perspective. Unlike Lithograph of Water Made of Lines, this version introduces a vibrant green wash that transforms the atmosphere of the scene, while expressive linear marks ripple across the tiled pool floor to suggest movement, transparency and refracted light.

Created in collaboration with master printer Kenneth Tyler at Tyler Graphics, Lithograph of Water Made of Lines and a Green Wash demonstrates Hockney's continual experimentation with colour and perception. By combining a delicate linear framework with broad areas of translucent green and blue, Hockney creates an image that feels both technical and fluid, balancing the geometric structure of the pool with the organic movement of the water. The print forms part of Hockney's wider investigation into the visual complexity of swimming pools, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most innovative printmakers of the twentieth century.