Will make you think about everything from creativity to appreciation. It is also probably the nearest we will get to Hockney’s explanation of his own work - or, at least, an insight into the mind behind it … I love it * Artbookreview *
Thanks to his sharp wit and turn of phrase, the British artist’s voice is almost as distinctive as his line * Observer *
Drawing, according to Hockney, “makes you see things clearer and clearer, and clearer still”, and this book holds an abundance of clarity. His musings on life, art, nature, photography and technology are dispersed among his most famous paintings. A perfect companion to an artist who is “incapable of saying a boring thing” * Daily Mail *
This delightful little book is like a life raft in a stormy sea. As easy to read through as it is to dip into, it digests David’s thoughts into bite-size chunks that answer almost every question you have and also make you think further … an enjoyable way to spend time in [Hockney’s] company * Henry Malt, The Artist *
A delightful and engaging overview of the artist’s inimitable spirit, personality and opinions * Artists & Illustrators *
A delightful anthology of the British artist’s pithy observations on life, art, artists, nature, creativity, technology, photography and more-all interspersed with works of art created throughout his legendary and admirable career… [A] little gem of a book…the perfect gift or coffee table book for artists and art lovers everywhere * Artists Magazine *
From his views on art and creativity to his take on digital life, this fascinating book gives an overview of the artist’s thoughts and opinions * Good Housekeeping *

David Hockney (1937-2026)

David Hockney was one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. He produced work in almost every medium - painting, drawing, stage design, photography and printmaking - and stretched the boundaries of all of them. His groundbreaking Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters is published by Thames & Hudson, as are his books in partnership with Martin Gayford: A Bigger Message (2011), A History of Pictures (2016) and Spring Cannot be Cancelled (2021).

Martin Gayford

Martin Gayford is a writer and art critic. His books include Man with a Blue Scarf (about the experience of being painted by Lucian Freud), Modernists and Mavericks, Shaping the World (with Antony Gormley), Love Lucian: The Letters of Lucian Freud, 1939-1954 (with David Dawson), and Venice: City of Pictures, all published by Thames & Hudson.

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