To See Clearly: A Portrait of David Hockney

by Evan Turk

From award-winning creator Evan Turk, a stirring picture book biography of world-famous artist David Hockney that celebrates seeing beauty everywhere

 

“It’s the very process of looking at something that makes it beautiful.” —David Hockney

 

Growing up under the gray skies of England during World War II, David Hockney used art to brighten his world. He discovered that the more he looked and drew, the more he could see beneath the surface to find beauty, possibility, and new perspectives. In the most ordinary things, whether a splash of water, a changing landscape, or the face of a friend, David always found something to love, uniquely capturing the vibrancy and life of his subjects.

 

Lyrically written with breathtaking, full-color illustrations by Evan Turk, To See Clearly tells the inspiring story of a groundbreaking artist who has shown the world a new way to see.

 

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Biography, LGBT, Nonfiction, Childrens, History

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Evan Turk is an award-winning illustrator, author and animator living in Riverside, California, with his husband, Chris, and two cats, Pica and Bert. A graduate of Parsons: The New School for Design, his illustration and animation have been shown all over the world. He grew up in Colorado and loves nature and being outdoors. He continues his studies with Dalvero Academy, a private illustration school in New York City. Evan loves to travel all over the world and learn about other people and places through drawing and the interactions that come from it.

Evan speaks to kids and adults across the country and loves talking with them about storytelling and making art.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning picture book biography about a man who continues to be one of the most exciting living artists. There is something so distinctly joyful and introspective about a David Hockney painting, and Evan Turk manages to capture that essence. Honestly, as soon as I heard about this book, I knew it would be wonderful because I knew that Evan Turk would capture vibrant fearlessness of Hockney's life and art.

The text of this book is also very good. It is easy to read and offers a brief yet thorough introduction to the artist. Turk doesn't shy away from discussing David Hockney's gay relationships and incorporation of gay life in LA in his works. Full page spreads with a full-bleed, close up illustration of Hockney's distinctive round glasses are especially interesting.

Wonderful.

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

During World War II, David Hockney grew up surrounded by books and art in Yorkshire. His keen observation and artistic expression revealed hidden beauty and new perspectives. From transforming landscapes or capturing a friend's face, Hockney breathed life into every subject he depicted. He is an internationally acclaimed artist whose works hang in galleries and museums worldwide.

To See Clearly explores themes of artistic expression, observation, perseverance, and finding beauty in everyday life. It encourages critical thinking about how our experiences shape perspective and creativity.

Discussion Questions:
How does David Hockney's youth influence his career as an artist?
How does Hockney express his unique perspective of the world through his art?
How does the author, Evan Turk, use illustrations to tell Hockney's story?
What challenges does Hockney face during his career, and how does he overcome them?
Why do you think it's important for Hockney to "see clearly"?
How does Hockney find beauty in everyday life?

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography provides a brief look at the life of David Hockney. It discusses his childhood and how supportive his family was of his art. David looked at the world intently and a bit differently than other people and he loved, loved, loved to draw. He said, "The source of art is love." whether that was a love for other people or a love of nature or of art... or maybe all of those things and more!
I really did not know much about David Hockney before reading this book - hopefully it will inspire others to learn more about him and his art!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biography's illustrations perfectly mimic the style of Hockney's art, showing the major influences on his life and celebrating an artist who dared to be who he was out loud and in the brightest of colors. I loved seeing how his early life of both a loving, supporting family and a dreary industrial town had a large impact on his decision to embrace life fully in Los Angeles, as well as how the books shows he has never stopped learning new ways to see and capture the beauty of the world.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew absolutely nothing about David Hockney when I began this title and now I know he is British, but unspent lots of time in Los Angeles beginning in the 1960s, returned to England and now lives in the South of France. I don’t however feel I am able to recognize any of his art as none of his actual paintings are reproduced in this title.
There is a list of his paintings that are referenced on the title. Now to find some David Hockney’s paintings.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice imprint (Abrams Books for Young Readers). Non-fic biography about artist David Hockney. I know absolutely nothing about Hockney other than a feeling like I've heard his name before and now what I've learned from this book. Can recommend! Plan to search for his work online, as a follow-up.

Value/importance of story: 3.5 stars;
Illustrations: 4;
Re-readability: 3;
Enjoyment: 3.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A splashy and colorful picture book biography of artist David Hockney. The title makes the book's (and probably Hockney's) most useful point that doing art can help you see the world more clearly. I have to say that this is true for me in just viewing art. When I get out of an art museum, I immediately see the world more vividly. Hockney was one of the first openly gay artists, paving the way for many others. A really great tribute by artist and author Evan Turk.

[Erin]

A brief but illuminating biography of David Hockney. As an artist in the twentieth century, being gay was not always easy or even legal, but Hockney seemed to live his life largely in the open.

This has some lovely renditions of eyes, and made me want to learn more about Hockney’s work.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving portrait of an important artistic figure, with great illustrations--it was a bit dense and inaccessible for my kids, though. As unfortunately often happens with picture books, it felt more written for the adult audience of parents and teachers than kids.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. It is quite text heavy, but it is an interesting read. I always wonder why books about artists don't contain photos of their work. It would bring a deeper level of understanding and appreciation if they did.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book biography of acclaimed artist David Hockney.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

david hockney, a fellow lover of perros salchichas <3, and forever my inspiration

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving picture book biography of (currently 86 year old) artist.

[Kira Boonyea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations in Hockney’s style, spare and relevant text.