David Hockney's The Weather Series from 1973 is a compelling exploration of atmospheric conditions through the medium of art. This suite of works, encompassing six color lithographs with screen printing, stands out for its innovative approach to depicting various weather phenomena such as rain, snow, mist, wind, lightning, and sunshine. Each piece within the series showcases Hockney's ability to capture the essence and mood of different weather conditions, employing techniques that blend traditional lithography with screen printing to create vivid, dynamic images (National Gallery of Art) (Buffalo AKG Art Museum).
Hockney's fascination with weather as a subject is partly inspired by his interest in the works of 19th-century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai and the impressionist paintings of Claude Monet. These influences are evident in the way Hockney approaches the depiction of weather, particularly in how he uses repetitive horizontal bands of tonal gradation to suggest spatial recession, a technique reminiscent of Japanese woodcuts. Moreover, Hockney's Mist recalls Monet's hazy silhouettes of poplar trees, demonstrating a dialogue between Hockney's contemporary work and these historical art forms (National Gallery of Art).
Creating The Weather Series was a technical and conceptual challenge for Hockney, who sought not only to depict the intangible and ever-changing aspects of weather but also to experiment with how atmospheric conditions could be conveyed through the physicality of printmaking. The series was produced during his time working at the Gemini G.E.L. studio in Los Angeles, a place chosen humorously by Hockney for its lack of weather, contrasting sharply with the variable climates of his native England (National Gallery of Art).
One of the unique aspects of this series is how Hockney experimented with materials and techniques to achieve the desired effects. For instance, in creating Rain, he diluted lithographic ink, allowing it to spill and trickle down the stone, mimicking the natural occurrence of rain. This innovative approach not only showcases Hockney's technical skill but also his creative vision in bringing the sensation of weather to life on paper (National Gallery of Art).
The Weather Series holds a significant place in Hockney's oeuvre, reflecting his lifelong interest in exploring the boundaries of visual representation and the interplay between art, nature, and perception. Through this series, Hockney invites viewers to experience the weather in a new and profound way, transforming everyday atmospheric conditions into captivating visual narratives.