David Hockney (1937–2026) was one of Britain’s most influential and beloved artists. Through his joyful use of colour, innovative approach to perspective and ability to find beauty in the everyday, he changed the way we see the world. Few artists embraced colour with such confidence and delight, and his work has long been a source of inspiration for Annie Sloan, who has always admired his fearless and expressive approach to colour.

For more than six decades, Hockney transformed landscapes, portraits and everyday scenes through his extraordinary eye for colour. His sun-drenched Californian swimming pool paintings, including A Bigger Splash, became some of the defining images of twentieth-century art. Equally memorable are his portraits, such as Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, and his adorable paintings of his dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, which show how he found beauty in everyday life. Later, his vast Yorkshire landscapes exploded with colour, celebrating the changing seasons of British countryside in a contemporary way.

Hockney’s vivid blues, fresh greens, radiant yellows and unexpected pinks were more than just decorative; they were a way of expressing light, emotion and atmosphere. He painted not simply what he saw, but what it felt like to be there. His work encouraged us to look more carefully, more joyfully and with a greater appreciation for the transformative power of colour.

To celebrate his incredible legacy, we have selected five Chalk Paint™️ colours that reflect some of the vibrant hues that appear throughout his work.

Greek Blue

A bright, uplifting blue reminiscent of Hockney’s clear skies and shimmering water. Fresh and full of energy, it instantly brings light and optimism to a room.

Antibes Green

Vibrant and full of life, this lively green echoes the lush trees and landscapes that feature throughout Hockney’s paintings. Bold yet natural, it celebrates the beauty of the outdoors.

Scandinavian Pink

A warm, playful pink inspired by Hockney’s confident use of unexpected colour. Full of personality and charm, it reflects the sense of joy that runs through so much of his work.

English Yellow

Sunny, cheerful and impossible to ignore, English Yellow captures the luminosity that appears again and again in Hockney’s paintings. A colour that lifts the spirits and brightens any space.

Provence

A fresh turquoise-blue that recalls the swimming pools and Californian light of Hockney’s most celebrated paintings. Joyful, vibrant and unmistakably optimistic.