David Hockney

Flowers in Bloom: David Hockney’s Ever-Evolving Still Lifes

Since the 1960s, flowers have remained a central motif in David Hockney’s artistic journey. From delicate etchings and vibrant lithographs to his later explorations with iPad drawings, the simple image of a vase of flowers has served as a recurring subject for reinvention. Deeply aware of art historical traditions, Hockney was initially captivated by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic sunflower paintings from the late 1880s.

For Hockney, the floral still life was more than a nod to the past—it became a fertile ground for formal experimentation. His interpretations provided a canvas for mastering a wide array of printmaking techniques, reflecting both his technical versatility and his curiosity. Through these flower compositions, Hockney showcases his distinctive style—blending emotional subtlety with bold innovation in color, form, and line. These works not only trace the evolution of his aesthetic but also highlight his enduring excitement for new tools and processes.