Making a Splash is a vibrant and playful limited edition artwork by Doug Hyde, one of the UK's most celebrated and best-loved contemporary artists. Renowned for his heart-warming characters and emotive storytelling, Hyde has captivated audiences around the world with his ability to distil universal emotions into charming, relatable imagery. His works consistently celebrate love, joy, humour, and the bonds we share with those closest to us. With Making a Splash, Hyde pays homage to the colourful palette and iconic style of David Hockney, reimagined through his own distinctive lens of warmth and optimism.
The composition depicts Hyde's familiar rounded character resting at the edge of a swimming pool, dipping their feet gently into the cool water. Beside them, perched playfully at the tip of a diving board, sits his loyal brown dog - the constant companion who has become a beloved figure across Hyde's portfolio. The setting immediately evokes the glamour and sunshine of West Coast America, with sharp architectural lines referencing mid-century Californian homes, palm trees swaying in the background, and a crisp, clear palette of strong solid colours.
This scene marks a playful departure from Hyde's softer pastel tones, embracing instead bold, saturated hues that echo Hockney's celebrated swimming pool paintings. The clear turquoise of the water, the bright contrast of the poolside, and the crispness of the surrounding architecture bring a sense of vibrancy and light to the composition. Yet even within this homage to a modern art icon, Hyde maintains his own unmistakable identity. The rounded forms of his characters, their quiet companionship, and the gentle humour of the dog clinging to the end of the diving board all ensure the piece is imbued with Hyde's trademark warmth.
Thematically, Making a Splash celebrates relaxation, friendship, and the joy of summer. There is a sense of carefree fun to the scene, yet also an underlying tenderness in the simple act of spending time together by the water. It captures Hyde's ability to balance humour and sentiment, creating a composition that is visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Created as a giclée on textured paper, this limited edition print preserves the richness and depth of Hyde's original work with exceptional clarity and precision. The crisp solid colours and graphic quality of the piece are rendered to archival standards, ensuring lasting vibrancy for years to come.
Measuring 26 x 16 inches (artwork size) and 39 x 29 inches when presented in Doug Hyde's signature white box frame, this is a large and commanding piece designed to make a statement. Released in a limited edition of 295, each print is individually hand-signed and numbered by the artist and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, confirming its place within the edition.
Edition Size: 295 - Hand signed and numbered by the artist
Artwork Size: 26 x 16 inches
Framed Size: 39 x 29 inches
Medium: Paper Edition (Limited Edition Giclée Print)
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Frame: White box frame - Doug Hyde's signature frame
Making a Splash is more than a stylish nod to modern art - it is a celebration of friendship, leisure, and shared joy, wrapped in Hyde's unique brand of warmth and humour. Whether acquired by a seasoned collector or as a first step into Hyde's world, it offers both visual impact and heartfelt charm, certain to inspire conversation and smiles wherever it is displayed.
Looking for more by Doug Hyde? We are delighted to present a curated selection of his limited edition prints, sculptures, and original works. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in finding the perfect addition to your collection
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