Meet the Artist: David Hockney

This first book in the Meet the Artist series offers a light introduction to British multimedia artist David Hockney. Blake asks readers to consider aspects of Hockney’s work before applying their observations to their own artwork. “Fascinated by water, Hockney played with different ways of drawing and painting it,” reads one page, followed by an invitation to draw waves, rain, and other types of water in provided boxes. Another activity suggests readers create photo collages in the vein of Hockney’s Pearblossom Hwy. Children will gain some sense of Hockney’s style, and Blake’s irreverent illustrations tap into the energy and palette of several of the reproduced images. Published in conjunction with a traveling retrospective organized by the Tate Britain, this breezy primer may prompt readers to seek out more of Hockney’s work, online or in person. All ages. (Sept.)