David Hockney’s Hotel Acatlan print reflects the artist’s renowned ability to blend spontaneity with meticulous planning. As Hockney once wryly remarked, “you must plan to be spontaneous.” When Hockney found himself at the remote Romano Angeles in Acatlan after his car broke down, the unexpected stop became the muse for the original sketches and their subsequent lithographs, capturing the hotel’s courtyard from the vantage point of his car seat. In Hotel Acatlan: First Day, viewers are presented with a lush garden viewed from a portico supported by blue columns and wooden beams. Sunlight filters through the structure, casting light on large cacti pots that frame the garden. The vibrant, immersive colours envelop the viewer, creating a dynamic yet serene atmosphere that mirrors the tranquil beauty of the Mexican setting. The artwork draws the viewer into Hockney’s world, making them feel as though they are experiencing the scene firsthand, basking in the sunlight and enjoying the artist’s spontaneous creation.