What Makes An Artist? David Hockney

While at the Royal College of Art, David Hockney studied alongside R. B. Kitaj, Allen Jones, Patrick Caulfield, Ridley Scott amongst many others. Here he discusses the impact of his time as a student at the Royal College of Art.

[@ronaldolamont]

I was kind of hoping he'd answer the question of what he thinks makes an artist!!

[@ai-man212]

Being different from ordinary people tends to make you an artist.

[@bitl5950]

@@ai-man212 I thought everyone is different

[@Swiftie2024Lyfe]

@@ai-man212 I thought making art makes you an artist?

[@darkyellow9867]

i think: being able to expres what ur feeling, what u intrest or just to colors u like on a artwork. Being able to learn everytime u make something and learn of ur own mistakes. Following ur hearth.

[@ronaldolamont]

@@Swiftie2024Lyfe Personally I don't think that every person who makes art is an artist, but we all have our own opinions on the subject, but I wanted to know what he thinks!

[@Edinburgh_Weavers]

You can feel the sense that life is for playing, from the way he speaks, to the way he dresses. Wonderful.

[@kurtpedersen7863]

The soul finds a gentler place to sing.

[@mikeyoung9810]

Loved these interviews with Mr Hockney that are all over youtube. Art for me has been one of frustration as I could draw decently right away as a child but the pressure from family started right away to do it so I grew up hating the process and letting my focus on just doing what people expect because of a need to hear praise. More radical things that I would sort of naturally drift into would be immediately halted for fear of critics. So here i am at 64 and starting to realize what art is. So that's why I love hearing the perspective of accomplished artists so much. Thanks for the video.

[@janemorrow6672]

I read somewhere that there are two types of genius those that have a massive burst of activity as young people and who can never repeat their early success and those that potter along for a lifetime and finally produce miraculous work in their old age. It’s not too late!

[@IlGattonero13]

It's never too late to start drawing (or anything else you'd like to do) simply to please yourself and no one else. All the best to you.

[@josephgiri2398]

If you want to make art and get out of your own way... then read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, and The Waro of Art by Steven Pressfield.. Those will help you stop thinking so much and start working.. To hell with what your family thinks.

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

@@janemorrow6672 I really l o v e you Jane for this statement. Me I started a bit late in my life - but with astonishing, yet wonderful results !!

[@janemorrow6672]

@@AL_THOMAS_777 That is marvellous!

[@ogarcia515]

Mr. Hockney is one of my favorite artists. Nothing but beauty.

[@haychhaych9814]

Such a humble sincere guy ☺️

[@Jakob.Hamburg]

Humble? He said he was as good or even better as ANY artist in London back then (without knowing every artist, I bet) + "I worked hard". + "I'm eternally grateful" .. "yes, eternally", like he knew eternity which isn't impossible, but in my ears this sounds a bit arrogant.

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

@@docdelete 👍👍👍

[@hiitsmehereagain]

I’ve known him for thirty years I’ve stayed at his houses in LA HE is lovely

[@MrWibette]

NV^^

[@parthoroy5044]

Wow

[@HENRYSBASEBALL]

OUR BASEBALL TEAM NEEDS ONE PAINTING TO GET A INDOOR BATTING FACILITY!!!! CAN U LET HIM KNOW!!

[@hiitsmehereagain]

@@HENRYSBASEBALL unfortunately so does everyone else

[@HENRYSBASEBALL]

@@hiitsmehereagain AND U LET HIM KNOW. FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE A BUFFER THAT CAN NOT BE PENETRATED. I DROVE THE RICH AND FAMOUS FOR 35 YEARS IN A LIMO SO I KNOW HOW IT IS!!!!!!

[@JoJo-xb7do]

I think the RCA should rename this video as a chat with an artist. Great to hear a little about David Hockneys background though

[@Peem_pom]

A chat with out ex student or alumnus more like it

[@shaunloynds5317]

Love David. His attitude and his work.

[@gayedavies2797]

I ve watched all the 80 celebration shorts on Vimeo, of him painting outside in Yorkshire. I painted a lot today. First time I’ve ever painted so much in one day with free abandon in lockdown. My school said I couldn’t do art as it was not a serious subject. So,I failed the academic subjects anyway. I have dyscalculia and can only see in pictures. I thought everyone was like that. I m 59 and scared to paint as I feel like I ll be poor and end up with nowhere to live. It’s the hardest thing I ve done to change to the arts, as I was forced into work early in life. Now I see I may have a short time to practice. I really love painting but to paint on canvases is expensive and needs space. Hockney is lucky he has space and people helping him. Not so easy for women to get into art. I keep trying and crying. Life is weird, we get no guidance and end up realising we need accept our gifts and to live it !

[@neroinc5998]

I recommend drawing if supplies and space are an issue. You can get a lot across just with a pencil and paper if you stay with it. Also watercolors or pastels. With everything digitized today you don’t need your pictures to be large, a powerful drawing will come across with power🌻

[@dajoro]

such an amazing work ethic this man has!

[@joestockton7016]

For everyone frustrated by the fact his answer wasn't directly stated; it was mostly implied by the activities he's engaged in for the duration of the video...sitting down quietly by yourself and drawing for hours and hours.

[@tonythrowaway3327]

sorry but that's bullshit.

[@lukasprochazkaprod]

@@tonythrowaway3327 yeah it is... it is just not answered

[@georgeleorgebeorge2354]

I think going to the RCA made him an artist … that’s the cheeky underlying message.

[@benjaminb.6424]

Dude, it's just a clickbait title

[@lefthandstory1280]

Awesome my friend,so beautiful😃👍👍👍😊....

[@henrycastle1]

Absolutely bloody fantastic Thank you David RCA ❤

[@artmiller6008]

Wonderful. You are such a thought to me just now and I'm painting a picture for you. Which you might not see but I am. Thanks Mr David Hockney 🌞

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

Very nice vid ! Dave is - among Ed Hopper - one of the noble few painters, who inspired me to paint myself. I am e t e r n a l l y thankful for that !

[@angelreading5098]

Hard working and beautiful work.

[@janeechandler2090]

Just do your own thing with good intentions and feelings about your subject at the time.

[@sebastienizambard6908]

Thanks for your compliment you are such a wonderful woman,I will be very happy to have you as my fan, Send me an invite on google hangout,[e-mail].I’ll keep in touch over there..

[@apricotblossom2991]

I love him he is so inspiring Thank you

[@RonaldGosses]

Thanks for showing. AWESOME!

[@phyllisjeanfulton]

I believe we are innately artistic in our own uniqueness in whatever it is we choose as our path. 😊🌺

[@finehomemadewine]

I love You!

[@CharityS-Minnesota]

Out of most artists I wish I could’ve gotten to known or meet in person would be David Hockney and Henri Matisse. David Hockney seems like such a lovely man.

[@hiitsmehereagain]

He is a lovely man I know him well

[@godapelaityte6897]

Love his artworks so much!

[@Eva-iy6vy]

I am fascinated Wonderful paintings. I wish him all the best.

[@noelbatt9559]

So inspiring! Lovely guy too

[@MichaelAlanAlien]

Absolutely!

[@jonathaneffemey4892]

Thanks for posting.

[@andrzejmaranda3699]

VERY INTERESTING, INSPIRING & INFORMATIVE video!

[@robertjohnburton9775]

Wonderful man

[@carloshenriquemaiarosario7448]

Mr Hockney ! Marvelous ! I try alway , to make , one beautiful drowning like him !

[@axelherms2833]

I love this Bruegel painting too whitch he copy during the interview!

[@hiridavidfeign]

Genius. Hero. Inspiration.

[@henrycastle1]

Feel the same about Central School and St Martins and the London Institute 1989-91

[@pixelwrinkly1528]

One of Bradford's finest. Imagine turning up first day at art school and thinking you're going to outdraw this guy :-) BTW, those spectacles are the secret to eternal youth; if he takes those off, it's all over. Please don't take them off.

[@elif_elfinity]

David Hockney is such a sweet soul 🍎

[@MrPipvampire]

Oh!!!!! I get it, it's the name dropping part. Bravo........

[@mcds1122]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 maybe that was why I was so tired today

[@normanstratford9329]

Walked around the College of art in the late 70s. It did seem progressive while the RA appeared more classical, especially in the life drawing room where there was the rounded seating. Art college gives you the time to create, though the criticism was negative.

[@durango-CODEBUILDER]

I swear in every video that Ive seen Hockney in, at least somewhere he says the word "because". He is the 'because' man. David "Because" Hockney

[@kernowarty]

What human being would not say the word "because" if you are hearing them speak for more than a few minutes? It is a common word.

[@durango-CODEBUILDER]

@@kernowarty Yeah I know.

[@alicedi1023]

What a sweatheart!

[@nicolaprincipato]

How sweet!

[@phliip7362]

something very calming and satisfying about this video :-)

[@stechriswillgil3686]

His relaxed demeanour surely comes from a demonstrable and outstanding talent ? He’s good and he knows it ! Nobody can tell him otherwise, even if they don’t like his work. Most art graduates I’ve met are very unsure of themselves because they don’t have genuine talent.

[@chrisgkhawkinsart4974]

Greatest living artist

[@Catluvur23]

absolute GOD!

[@sphinxtheeminx]

What makes an artist? Financial independence, space to spread out and work in, self belief, time to practise skills, access to materials, and a good work ethic. 'Talent' is rather overrated.

[@Jess90150]

💙

[@tonisumblin2719]

The most famous artist in art history were not wealthy. Too many didn’t reach fame until they died. And talent is not overrated.

[@sofiasierrarubia4126]

@@tonisumblin2719 agreed

[@tonisumblin2719]

@@Strannnge Thanks. I will. I haven’t read that one by Virginia Wolfe.

[@barryhossin2000]

Very interesting.!

[@normanstratford9329]

The RCA was inspirational during the 70 s and the RA seemed to be more interested in the skill of drawing as has been done over many years. The RCA was also very progressive in creating paintings. Art could be almost anything, but as an artist it is necessary to use the place of work, students and tutors.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

artists make the workd go round :)

[@Mark-fv8vt]

2:00 - that forest scene is reminiscent of Bruegel, but it's also similar to the forest scene in Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR picture.

[@irishelk3]

Nice old fella. Good painter.

[@creativeartbyluvensky]

Awesome

[@radjahgowa4183]

Master 🔥

[@MrPipvampire]

Here's the answer. While at the RCA, David Hockney studied alongside R. B. Kitaj, Allen Jones, Patrick Caulfield, and Ridley Scott amongst many others.

[@danieljohnadriel]

Yay!

[@ajayaymusic]

Interesting. That’s the piano accompaniment to The Swan by Saint-Saens, minus the cello playing the melody.

[@AceHardy]

👑

[@theolivianicolestories]

❤️❤️❤️

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Mr. Hockney is sharp and witty.

[@eudongraydesai9669]

Anyone able to identify his brilliant glasses?

[@gomjicamp]

카디건 색상부터 호크니스런에 심쿵...💚

[@StephenS-2025]

I'd love to hang out with David for a few weeks. We'd get along swimmingly. Hehe.

[@rogeralsop3479]

I loved Art School.

[@normanhowell3994]

What makes an artist? Practice,

[@suzannedesylva3805]

More, more...

[@fujichia]

voting this one down for the deceptive title. should say "david hockey, 3 minutes, just kind of hanging out, nice"

[@allenhanford]

Lots more about David Hockney here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2TXdp6QhdaAiqM

[@neroinc5998]

According to this COMMERCIAL the royal academy of art is what makes an artist. I’m not sure he was aware of the manipulative title they’d choose when he gave this interview.

[@bobobahia]

Sorry, what was the name of the art school he went to? I didn't quite catch it.

[@M.2018-b3f]

RCA

[@bobobahia]

@@M.2018-b3f Lol I was being sarcastic.

[@M.2018-b3f]

@@bobobahia I know. 🤣 So was i. 👍

[@ws4827]

Whats the piece(s) at 2:21????

[@deepashtray5605]

Apparently a rhetorical question.

[@shelleywhitehead8029]

Art school. A foundation.

[@andercoyote4170]

🩷 David Hockney.

[@janie7242]

So happy to know a great artist from the UK with an open mind and very creative talent in painting! Love his colorful and modern approach! Not like most of the conservative people in Britain at all! Surprise! 😯😏 It is a good thing! LA, CA might help him to open up a lot! Just like Van Gogh in the south of France!

[@war-painter]

The video was shot from his LA house, where he lived since 1968. Hockney has since moved back to the North of England, and then to the South of France more recently. I think he lived in Los Angeles, on and off, for at least thirty years or more? I met him when he taught his one and only set of classes at UCI in 1967. He said if you’re really serious, go to the Royal College of Art in London. It was not that easy, but I did it!

[@iamvictoriakim]

작가의 손에 쥐어진 펜이 ‘붓펜’인가요?

[@MrPipvampire]

What makes a great artist? Mingle with the right crowd, or am I wrong?

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

Yes - wrong. Sorry for that. It is the shere l o v e you feel towords art and the beginning "paintinglust". You don´ t only want to s e e art - you want to create it yourself. A wonderful colourful fresh painting the world has not seen before . . .

[@ricardodsavant2965]

my life is art

[@jolinlu8177]

such a cute man T.T

[@ImmortalIdeas]

Perspective

[@ImmortalIdeas]

Your own.

[@juan12sk8]

lo subieron el dia de tu cumple

[@lornanormand6963]

David Hockney...still so alive and so fascinating. Fancy framing such iconic content with moronic, background, white noise, drivel that one should block out unconsciously ...ironic when the content is so much about alive presence and awareness.

[@OL-qk7ey]

does anybody knows the song in the background?

[@pockiey]

I believe it's liebestraum by Liszt

[@mykevenable8180]

💙💙💙

[@williamr3840]

Hockney! :0)

[@samswad]

So.. what makes a great artist?

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

. . . it´s not about greatness, it is about LOVE - shere satisfaction thru the shere painting process, no matter what the (stupid, crazy, mad, bad & sad) world ever is thinking of you and spitting on the so called "greatness" !

[@parvineblagh2042]

PASSION FOR PAINTING...................................DJ.

[@julienmiron6138]

What is the soundtrack ?

[@annalobach2137]

It's Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The Swan. by Camille Saint-Saens

[@tyanojason4889]

I got to know this guy because of Tower of God.

[@riyabaruah6571]

Sounds like slughorn

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

The funny thing is Hockney claiming he is even remotely close to being good at drawing. Those early drawings from 1959 done of the skeletons are quite bad. They are not evidence of any great skill at all, i know 6th graders who draw better in some of the art academies out here.

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

in the 1950's to the 2000's you could skate by not having any real ability technically to draw or to paint in the art world. Thank god that has changed over the last 15 years. Good luck getting into any art academy now without a strong foundation. Many of my younger students draw well but i have noticed a lot of the older retired folks who i have taught lack that drawing ability because they never learned it.. they didnt have to.

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

@TheMsPowers May be - but what b e a u t i f u l colours. . .

[@MrPipvampire]

Mingle with famous artists and mimic their work and you will become famous too.

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

. . . ha ha ha, if it would be t h a t easy . . .

[@Artba_Kreasi]

I like and i love you and I am entertained watching your activities, friends, and I like all your channels,... greetings from Indonesia, and because I have many shortcomings, so I ask for your support and guidance for the development of my channel my friend... I pray for you my friend... I hope you stay healthy, so you can continue to do activities... I like and i love you my frien

[@pb4595]

In conclusion : the RCA makes an artist.

[@ai-man212]

Back when College was still a thing. Not much longer, unless they get it paid for by the Government (which would be the wise path all around). Otherwise, Google will just make it all free by certifying people for watching KZbin videos. You'll meet your Ridley Scott's by interacting with each-other's KZbin channels. Thumbs upping. "Hey, Ridley". Glad you like my skeletons! You in town?

[@LucasRichardStephens]

What about the etching DIPLOMA; I am not sure he graduated or at least was threatened with a fail, his response was "I will make my own Diploma". This is something like the story my Dad told, who was at RCA too and had an AP of that print, which was a conversational centre piece in my childhood home. That and the story of his dying Mr Hockney's hair yellow for the first time, which I gather many other fellow students also claim to have been responsible for.

[@war-painter]

“Blondes have more fun” was what David always said. He always looked like he was having a lot of fun. The key to making great paintings is the joy other people feel when they look at them. That presupposes that the artist was also experiencing joy while painting them!

[@zantigar]

THIS IS A BAIT AND SWITCH - HOCKNEY NEVER ANSWERED THE QUESTION! SHAME ON RCA!!!

[@malakiblunt]

Ironically his art owes more to Degas & Sicert than Picasso (and of course Matisse )

[@margaretsalasidis3708]

I suppose the answer is go to the Royal College of Art

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

wtf . . . even famous G. Richter left art college in germany b e f o r e any master degree - he had enough of it ! Really true, I read a book about him. . . Practice is e v e r y t h i n g . . . and a burning heart full of LOVE and desire to make the world ever beautifuller richer before you have to go . . .

[@amos288]

e d I b l e s turned me into an artist. before , I was just a grumpy old stooge .

[@danielleettango]

You have crown a skeleton, I like to draw devils. Tat is a good beginning, I think

[@dhyanawinant1051]

Music is way too loud !!!’