Ancient Oaks & Hockney's Trees


Whilst striding across snow-free fields today taking photo's of skeletal trees for a project, (the trees above are some of the fabulous ancient oaks at Croft Castle), one was reminded of the Hockney series of East Yorkshire landscape paintings.
Hockney returned to his native Yorkshire to paint these epic tree and landscape paintings in the open air/en plein air. Perhaps the most famous of this series is, 'Bigger Trees near Warter', which Hockney gifted to the Tate in 2008. It is made up of 50 small canvases equalling 40 feet wide by 15 high. Hockney wanted the painting to engulf you, to make you feel as if you truely were standing in front of something as large as an oak, which he appears to have achieved. These paintings have been executed rapidly with loose brush strokes making them all the more interesting.
Above, 'Bigger Trees near Warter' 2007

For an essay/further information on this work, www. tate.org.uk ...better still, go visit the gallery in person where the painting is currently on display.

Comments

holly aka golly said…
I do love David Hockney! Whether it is landscape or portrait - his work truly captures his place in the world - his life, his travels, his relationships.
Murgatroyd said…
Great colours in Hockney's work. I think I'm enjoying the work he's doing in his more 'mature years' best of all...
Anonymous said…
I saw this painting at the RA show I think. It was huge, and just like you say, it sort of engulfed you. Wonderful! Xx