David Hockney: Nichols Canyon

Number 4: The fourth most expensive work of art auctioned in 2020.

The roads played an important role in Hockney’s paintings. This one takes its name from the long, winding street in Hollywood Hills that the author traveled on his way to Los Angeles. He painted it shortly after he moved to Santa Monica. Do you also have the impression that the reds, greens, yellows and blues used by Hockney resemble Matisse?

Hockney suggested to the viewer that his eye should move across the image at about the same speed as the car is moving along the road.

The Nichols Canyon painting belonged to André Emmerich, one of New York’s most influential traders, and was acquired by him from Hockney in exchange for the late Picasso with whom Hockney was in love.

On Hockney’s unofficial fanpage, we read such enthusiastic content about this image:

At first glance, it may seem that the viewer has been transported to the tropics. Lush colors show themselves in a way that is usually only found in a warm environment full of sunshine and rain. Hockney created a fauvistic composition that delights the senses. The technique used to create this image assures us that nothing is accidental here. Each shade remains quite distinct, mirroring the vivid scene the painter sees both in front of himself and in his mind’s eye. The landscape created by Hockney on canvas is warm and friendly.

By the way, Hockney had style, huh? Here it is in May 1984.