Inside David Hockney’s Charming Portrait Sessions in East Yorkshire

David and Susan Neave, a couple from Beverley in East Yorkshire, had a unique friendship with the famous British artist David Hockney. Their story began in 2008 when they met Hockney by chance at a concert in Bridlington, where he was living at the time. Hockney, known for his colorful and creative artworks, quickly became friends with the Neaves. They often visited his house and even accompanied him on trips into the countryside. Susan Neave, now 70, described how Hockney loved to share his artistic process and was always eager to teach others about painting. She said it was a privilege to watch him work and to learn from him. One of the most special moments for the Neaves was when Hockney drew their portraits in charcoal. Because Hockney was not feeling well, the portraits were made in his bedroom. Susan recalled that sitting for the portraits was not easy, as they had to stay in the same position for a long time and sometimes had to come back for more than one session. However, Hockney was known for working quickly, especially when drawing people. The Neaves treasure these portraits as a reminder of their friendship with the artist.

David Hockney was born in Bradford, but he had strong family connections to East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. As a child, he spent many summers in the area and even worked on a farm near Huggate before attending Bradford College of Art. Hockney was inspired by the landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds, which he often painted. One of his most famous works, Bigger Trees Near Warter, was created in a large warehouse because it was so big. The painting was made up of 50 separate canvases and measured 40 feet by 15 feet. David Neave remembered how Hockney used a chair with wheels to move around the huge artwork. Hockney also created a video installation called The Four Seasons, Woldgate Woods, where he filmed the changing seasons in the Yorkshire Wolds using a special vehicle with cameras. He would go out early in the morning to capture the beauty of the trees as they changed throughout the year.

Hockney was passionate about his art and focused on his work, but he was also known for his sense of humor and friendly personality. He smoked a lot, which was something his friends had to accept if they wanted to spend time with him. David Neave researched Hockney's family history and discovered that his ancestors came from East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Hockney liked to tell stories about his youth, such as having his first alcoholic drink at the Wolds Inn in Huggate when he was 16, even though his father was against alcohol and smoking. Hockney was different from his father and was the only one who smoked in the Neaves' house. Many people, including famous friends like Sir Paul McCartney, visited Hockney in Bridlington. After Hockney's death, Sir Paul shared a memory of visiting him in a smoke-filled car. The Neaves feel sad about Hockney's passing, but they are grateful for the time they spent with him and the memories they have, especially the portraits he made for them.