First, it is necessary to mention, that pop art is a wide stream of contemporary art. There is no place for the masterpieces, as the tendency for simplification can not be regarded as geniality, but, as it is well known, any rule has its exception. David Hockney has always rejected being a Pop artist but finally, he had to defeat, as the public recognized him as a pop artist. Hockney tried himself at abstraction but found it too unproductive. This statement was made during the period of rapid self-discovery and the creation of a new style. Hockney has been always interested in a wide range of art, not only painting, and consequently, it affected his painting techniques. The fact, that he was drawn into the sphere of designing theater sets impacted the way of composing the images, as he became free in locating the objects on the canvass.
The creation, which impresses most is “Day Pool with 3 Blues”. This image is laconic both in composition and in color transfer. There is no complex shadow-and-light play, there is no sophisticated color transfer… Hockney needed just three semi colors to paint the pool water, and give to realize, that it was the daytime.
It is necessary to mention, that the concept of color transfer simplicity is attributed to any image by David Hockney, and the very fact of creating the new style gives him the right not to be called a pop artist. It was the junction of pop art, impressionism, something from cubism and the distinct features, like the original image composition create the very notion of Hockney’s personal style
David Hockney, as an artist has the following advantages: he is clearly understood, and his images are simple to remember. The “Day Pool with 3 Blues” is a picture of extreme simplicity, and it is necessary to mention, that the advantage of this particular canvass is the feelings, that arise when the picture is viewed. Someone may recall a hot summer day and the refreshing water of a pool. Someone may recall tragic events looking at this canvass.
The discussions of this canvass took diverse ways, but the defining point was missed. Actually, the pool is the central image, but few critics mention the live fence. It is pictured with two colors, while artists use either single color for the green leaves or the spectrum of green colors tones and semi colors.
At first sight, the transition of colors and the arrangement of dabs is absolutely chaotic. But the thorough study of the picture reveals the genius of David Hockney, as he aimed to overcome the techniques of Van Gogh.
“Day Pool with 3 Blues” appears to be rather boring for long study, as it is too simple for a thorough examination. The only fact, that is necessary to mention is that it lacks dynamics. It is static and quickly casts boredom.
In spite of the fact, that Hockney refused to recognize himself as a pop artist, his paintings had the features of pop art, but there were also interconnections with other styles. The “Day Pool with 3 Blues” is featured by simplicity, but it is more than simple. It is absolutely still.