The model, Gregory Evans, was a young man that David met, and began a relationship with, after he dated the love of his life, Peter Schlesinger. As previously stated, David dated Peter from 1966 until Peter left him in 1971. David began dating Gregory in 1974, and seemed very happy in the relationship, until Peter came back for a visit. Gregory suddenly and mysteriously decided to go on vacation...without David. The painting, in fact, is Gregory, except for the feet, which were Peter's.
It's very hard for me to understand the homosexual relationship that survives, even after an ugly breakup. As a predominantly heterosexual male, I don't usually speak to ex's once the relationship is over; particularly if the breakup is a messy one.
As for the painting, well, it's sure a Hockney. It's got depth, vibrant colors, and a gay man in it. I like it because I like how Hockney paints, and does his art. I have already learned from him, and look forward to seeing more of his things.
Having been in a homosexual relationship, it's easy to want to go back to an ex because of how much harder it is to find "the one" when the homosexual population is so much smaller than the heterosexual one. There are a lot of experiences that people in the community share so having those shared struggles makes the bond you make with a partner even stronger. I can imagine, even as a woman, that it was a lot more difficult to find a partner in the 70s that was comfortable enough to enter a same-sex relationship.
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