I visited the David Hockney gallery in Salts Mill recently, and came away a big fan. His works done in Yorkshire are beautiful (to my eye) even from a superficial level. I'd say there is skill in each of his paintings, but to clear any doubt, his Bigger Trees Near Warter (http://britishartresearch.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bigger...), which is 12 x 4 meters large and painted en-plein-air, are undisputedly the product of real talent and technique.
Some examples of Hockney's Yorkshire work that appeal to me:
I could be off base here, but perhaps Hockney is the exception that proves the rule. I've been led to understand that his position is currently pretty unpopular in contemporary art discourse, and that he is viewed as a bit of a reactionary.
I however find him and his work really inteesting in the context of this discussion though. Particularly for his detective work and reverse engineering of the use of optics by the old masters.
I however find him and his work really inteesting in the context of this discussion though. Particularly for his detective work and reverse engineering of the use of optics by the old masters.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0670030260/davidhockn...