David Hockney, whose art celebrated sun-drenched Los Angeles, dead at 88

Key Points:

• David Hockney, the influential British artist known for his vibrant depictions of Los Angeles life and innovative use of technology in art, died at age 88 at his London home, confirmed by his publicist Erica Bolton.
• Hockney, who moved to Los Angeles in 1976, became famous for his colorful paintings of pools, palm trees, and portraits, as well as experimental photo collages, iPad drawings, and opera set designs, with over 8,000 works preserved by his foundation.
• He was openly gay and drew inspiration from his personal relationships, notably his 1972 painting "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)," which sold for a record $90 million in 2018.
• Throughout his career, Hockney embraced new technologies and blended traditional and modern techniques, publishing works like "Secret Knowledge" that explored historical artistic methods alongside his own innovations.
• Even in his later years, despite health challenges, Hockney remained creatively active, working in studios in London, Los Angeles, and France, and planning projects inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry before his passing.