David Hockney is one of Britain’s most celebrated living artists, renowned for his bold use of colour, innovative techniques, and ability to bridge traditional art forms with new technologies. From his Californian swimming pool scenes to his Yorkshire landscapes, David Hockney’s art reflects a career-long fascination with perspective, light, and the possibilities of image-making.
His versatility, embracing painting, printmaking, photography, and digital drawing, has ensured that Hockney’s work appeals to a diverse and global collector base. This adaptability, combined with critical acclaim and market strength, has positioned David Hockney as a cornerstone of British contemporary art.
Who is David Hockney?
David Hockney (b. 1937) is widely regarded as Britain’s most celebrated living artist, renowned for his pioneering use of colour, perspective, and technology.
Emerging in the 1960s as a key figure in the British Pop Art movement, Hockney developed a distinctive visual language through his portraits, landscapes, and explorations of domestic life. His vibrant depictions of Los Angeles swimming pools and Yorkshire countryside scenes are among the most recognisable images in modern British art.
Beyond traditional painting and printmaking, Hockney has consistently embraced new mediums, from Polaroid photo collages to iPad drawings, cementing his reputation as an innovator unafraid to challenge convention. His work bridges the traditional and the experimental, appealing to collectors across generations and markets.
Why invest in Hockney?
Hockney’s market has demonstrated consistent growth over the past two decades, with demand across multiple mediums. His work holds appeal for both seasoned collectors and those entering the blue-chip market, offering:
- Global recognition and strong institutional presence, with major exhibitions worldwide
- A range of mediums and price points, making his work accessible without sacrificing investment potential
- A proven record of value appreciation, particularly for iconic series and rare editions
Hockney’s ability to innovate while retaining a distinct artistic voice ensures his continued relevance and desirability among collectors.
David Hockney art for sale: what are your options?
The Hockney market offers works across several categories, each with its own collecting appeal.
Original paintings and works on canvas
These are among the most valuable and sought-after Hockney works, including his famous pool paintings from the 1960s and 1970s. Original canvases are rare in the market, and when they appear, they can achieve multi-million-pound results. These highly prized David Hockney paintings are considered cornerstones of any blue-chip collection.
Works on paper
Watercolours, drawings, and collages can offer a unique opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind Hockney at a more accessible price point than his large paintings.
Editioned prints
Hockney is a master printmaker, producing etchings, lithographs, and more recently, iPad drawings. Many prints are signed and numbered in pencil, with edition sizes often ranging from 25 to 250. For example, lithographs from his Swimming Pool series and etchings from A Rake’s Progress are highly sought after. Collectors actively pursue David Hockney prints as they offer both artistic merit and investment potential.
Digital and iPad works
David Hockney, My Window: No 535, 2019, 201 for sale
Since 2010, Hockney has created vibrant landscapes and still lifes using the iPad, later printed in limited editions. These works, known as David Hockney iPad art, have opened new avenues for collecting and demonstrate his embrace of contemporary tools.
Browse available works: Hockney artworks at Calder Contemporary
How much does David Hockney’s art cost?
David Hockney’s art prices vary considerably depending on medium, edition size, condition, and subject matter.
- Editioned prints can range from £3,000 to £50,000, with rare or early examples exceeding these levels
- Works on paper may sell for between £20,000 and £250,000
- Original paintings can achieve anywhere from £500,000 to over £30 million for historically important or museum-quality works
For example, The Splash (1966) sold for £23.1 million in 2020, while his iPad print editions, often produced in small runs, have achieved auction results in the tens of thousands.
Where to buy Hockney art safely and securely
Collectors looking to buy David Hockney art should seek works from reputable galleries such as Calder Contemporary, major auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, or trusted private dealers.
For prints, ensure the signature matches authenticated examples from the same period, and verify edition sizes against known publisher records. Retaining original invoices, certificates, and any exhibition documentation will strengthen both authenticity and value. For more detail on verification, see our Provenance Puzzle guide.
Understanding the value of David Hockney’s Art: is it a good investment?
David Hockney's art combines strong market performance with enduring cultural significance. His continued output, coupled with major retrospective exhibitions, sustains market interest. The variety of mediums also provides opportunities for both diversification and focus within a collection.
While market conditions can fluctuate, works from iconic series, rare early editions, and paintings with strong provenance have shown particularly robust appreciation. A long-term collecting approach, informed by expert advice, can yield both cultural and financial rewards.
Hockney’s most expensive works: what do they teach us about the market?
Hockney’s record-breaking sales illustrate the enduring appeal of his work. In 2018, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold for $90.3 million, briefly becoming the most expensive work by a living artist. Other major sales, including The Splash and large-scale Yorkshire landscapes, reinforce the market’s appetite for works that encapsulate his signature style.
Even within the print market, exceptional results occur for rare editions or works tied to significant exhibitions, underscoring the importance of subject matter, rarity, and condition.
Calder Contemporary: your trusted partner in Hockney collecting
Calder Contemporary is a leading destination for collectors of David Hockney, offering comprehensive services in authentication, valuation, and sales. Each artwork is carefully vetted through expert analysis, certificates, and detailed provenance research.
Our specialists provide personalised consultations, delivering professional appraisals and market insights to ensure transparency and confidence in every transaction. Collectors are invited to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about newly acquired Hockney artworks, guaranteeing you never miss an opportunity. Whether buying or selling, Calder Contemporary guides clients through the art market with expertise and integrity.
Between 2018 and 2023, the average realised price for Hockney’s works rose by 64%, with over 800 lots sold in 2023 and a strong 84% sell-through rate. Top auction results include Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) ($90.3M, 2018), The Splash (£23.1M, 2020), and Nichols Canyon ($41M, 2020).
In 2022, an iPad work from The Arrival of Spring series achieved £51,000 at auction, underlining collectors' appetite for Hockney’s digital practice.
