In the artwork titled 'Portrait of an Artist,' a figure known only as John emerges as the anonymous swimmer captured in white swimming trunks, immortalized through photography during the 1960s. This mysterious individual became an unwitting subject during renowned British artist David Hockney's creative wanderings throughout California.

The photograph, which later influenced Hockney's famous pool paintings, represents a significant moment in art history when the artist was exploring themes of California lifestyle and leisure culture. John's identity remained largely unknown to the public, making him an enigmatic figure in one of the most celebrated artistic works of the era.

During his time in California in the 1960s, Hockney was documenting the distinctive West Coast culture, particularly fascinated by the ubiquitous swimming pools that dotted the landscape. These explorations and observations would eventually lead to his iconic series of pool paintings that captured the essence of California's modernist aesthetic.

The anonymous nature of John's appearance in the photograph adds an intriguing layer to the artwork's significance, highlighting how ordinary individuals can become part of extraordinary artistic legacies without ever seeking the spotlight themselves.