David Hockney's "Midsummer: East Yorkshire" series from the late 1990s to early 2000s is a vivid exploration of the English countryside through the medium of watercolor. Exhibited in February at L.A. Louver in Los Angeles, this collection comprises 36 watercolors that depict Hockney’s experiences and observations of the landscape around East Yorkshire. The works stand out for their casual yet exquisite portrayal of scenes that, while ordinary—like leafless trees, golden fields, and distant farmhouses—become extraordinary under Hockney's gaze. These paintings invite viewers to breathe deeply and soak in the fleeting beauty of these scenes, often overlooked by the casual observer (David Hockney) (The David Hockney Foundation: Home).
Hockney's connection to East Yorkshire is deep, reflecting his personal history and affection for the landscape. He notes the importance of being intimately familiar with a landscape to accurately depict its essence, mentioning how working in watercolor in the outdoor settings of East Yorkshire necessitated adjustments in his approach, such as starting with the lightest colors due to the medium's properties. His transition back to oil painting, a medium that allows more freedom in terms of color application and depth, was described as "thrilling" after focusing on watercolors (David Hockney) (The David Hockney Foundation: Home).
This series not only documents Hockney's return to the landscapes of his youth but also represents a broader exploration of the natural world, capturing the changing seasons and the play of light across different times of the day. Through "Midsummer: East Yorkshire," Hockney invites viewers to experience the unique beauty and tranquility of the English countryside, offering a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes. The series was well received, with critics praising Hockney's ability to capture the essence of the East Yorkshire landscapes with vibrancy and detail, further cementing his reputation as one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century (David Hockney) (Visit East Yorkshire).