Back to: Lithographic Water series
David Hockney's Lithograph of Water Made of Thick and Thin Lines and a Light Blue and a Dark Blue Wash is a striking work from his celebrated Lithograph of Water Made of Lines series, created between 1978 and 1980 in collaboration with master printer Kenneth Tyler at Tyler Graphics, New York. Printed in colours on TGL handmade paper and published in an edition of 34 plus 10 artist's proofs, the lithograph explores Hockney's enduring fascination with swimming pools and the visual complexities of water. Through an intricate combination of thick and thin linear marks and layered blue washes, Hockney captures the movement of rippling water while transforming a familiar scene into a sophisticated study of perception and light.
The contrast between the light and dark blue washes creates a heightened sense of depth and transparency, allowing the water to appear both reflective and fluid. Rather than depicting water realistically, Hockney builds its surface through repeated lines, subtle tonal shifts and carefully balanced colour, demonstrating his innovative approach to lithography. Produced at Tyler Graphics, the work exemplifies Hockney's technical mastery of printmaking and remains an important example of his groundbreaking exploration of swimming pool imagery.
