David Hockney-Inspired Landscape Painting
Tempera Paint on Canvas
Project Overview
In this lesson, students will explore the artwork of David Hockney, a British Pop artist known for his bold use of color, playful approach to perspective, and vibrant landscapes. Inspired by Hockney's paintings of California roads, rolling fields, and simplified forms, students will create their own colorful landscape painting using tempera paint and acrylic paint markers on canvas.
Learning Goals
Students will:
Learn about the life and artwork of David Hockney.
Explore the use of bold, non-naturalistic color.
Experiment with breaking traditional rules of perspective.
Practice painting techniques with tempera paint.
Use line, pattern, and texture to add detail with acrylic paint markers.
Create a unique landscape inspired by Hockney's style.
About the Artist: David Hockney
David Hockney is one of the most influential contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His work is known for its bright colors, flattened spaces, and unconventional perspectives.
Many of Hockney's paintings depict the landscapes and architecture of California. Rather than creating realistic scenes, he often simplifies shapes, exaggerates color, and intentionally ignores traditional perspective rules. His work combines influences from Pop Art, Cubism, and even digital technology.
Hockney believes that art does not always have to follow the rules. Instead, artists can create their own ways of seeing and representing the world.
Artwork Spotlight: A Bigger Splash (1967)
About the Painting
A Bigger Splash is one of Hockney's most famous works. Painted in 1967 while he was living in California, the artwork shows a swimming pool immediately after someone has jumped into the water.
The splash itself lasts only a moment, but Hockney spent weeks carefully painting it. He was fascinated by the challenge of capturing movement and a split-second event in a still image.
Notice:
Bright, flat colors
Minimal shadows
Clean geometric shapes
Simplified forms
Strong contrast between movement and stillness
A deliberate disregard for realistic perspective
Hockney once said:
"I loved the idea of painting this thing that lasts for two seconds. It takes me two weeks to paint this event that lasts for two seconds."
Additional Inspiration
Students will also examine Hockney landscapes such as:
The Road Across the Wolds (1997)
Walking (1986)
Notice how roads wind through colorful fields and how perspective is often distorted or exaggerated.
Materials
Canvas
Pencil
Eraser
Tempera paint
Paint brushes
Water cup
Paint palette or plastic plate
Acrylic paint markers
David Hockney reference images
David Hockney biography video
Directions
Sketch & Paint
Step 1: Plan Your Composition
Begin by studying David Hockney's landscapes. Notice how roads, hills, fields, and trees are simplified into basic shapes.
Step 2: Create Your Sketch
Lightly sketch a simple landscape on your canvas.
Include:
A road that travels into the distance
Large fields or sections of land
Trees, hills, mountains, or clouds
Important: Do not worry about realistic perspective. Let your road twist, curve, or stretch in unexpected ways, just as Hockney often did.
Keep your drawing simple and avoid adding details.
Step 3: Add Color
Mix a variety of colors on your palette.
Paint each section of your landscape a different color:
Road
Fields
Trees
Mountains
Sky
Clouds
Use bold, vibrant colors rather than realistic ones. Focus on creating strong color contrasts.
Allow the painting to dry completely.
Outline & Add Pattern
Step 4: Outline Shapes
Using an acrylic paint marker, outline:
Roads
Fields
Trees
Mountains
Clouds
Choose a color that stands out against your painting.
Step 5: Add Patterns and Texture
Use your paint marker to add simple patterns and details.
Ideas include:
Dots
Short lines
Zigzags
Repeated marks
Leaf patterns
Texture lines in fields
Keep patterns simple and repetitive. These small details help create movement and visual interest while maintaining Hockney's bold, graphic style.
Artist Tips
✔ Use bright, unexpected colors.
✔ Simplify your shapes.
✔ Fill the canvas.
✔ Don't worry about making it look realistic.
✔ Experiment and take creative risks.
✔ Let your artwork reflect your own unique style.
Essential Question
How can artists use color, pattern, and unconventional perspective to create a landscape that feels expressive rather than realistic?
David Hockney-Inspired Landscape Painting Rubric (4-Point Scale)
Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Standard | 3 - Meets Standard | 2 - Approaching Standard | 1 - Beginning |
Planning & Composition | Composition is thoughtfully planned and fills the canvas. Road, fields, and landscape elements create a strong, visually engaging design inspired by Hockney. | Composition is complete and includes a road, fields, and landscape elements. Canvas is mostly filled. | Composition is partially complete or lacks planning. Some required elements are missing or canvas has large empty areas. | Composition is incomplete or missing most required elements. |
Use of Color | Uses bold, creative color choices throughout the artwork. Colors are vibrant, neatly applied, and clearly inspired by Hockney's style. | Uses a variety of colors with good coverage and neat application. | Limited color variety or uneven paint application. Some areas appear unfinished. | Minimal color use, poor coverage, or significant unfinished areas. |
Line, Pattern & Detail | Acrylic marker outlines and patterns greatly enhance the artwork. Patterns are creative, consistent, and add strong visual interest. | Artwork includes clear outlines and patterns that add detail to the composition. | Some outlines or patterns are present but lack consistency or effort. | Few or no outlines, patterns, or details have been added. |
Craftsmanship & Effort | Artwork demonstrates exceptional care, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Student used class time productively and exceeded expectations. | Artwork is neat, complete, and shows appropriate effort and care. | Artwork shows inconsistent effort, rushed areas, or minor craftsmanship issues. | Artwork is incomplete, careless, or demonstrates minimal effort. |
Score
4 = Advanced – Consistently exceeds expectations 3 = Proficient – Meets expectations 2 = Developing – Partially meets expectations 1 = Beginning – Does not yet meet expectations
Total Score: _____ / 16
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