Untitled [seated female nude with arm over chair back] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn created this striking nude drawing with ink on paper. Diebenkorn is best known for his large-scale abstract paintings, but his drawings offer a more intimate glimpse into his process. Here, the fluidity of the ink is crucial; it allows for a direct, almost impulsive translation of the artist’s perception onto the page. The lines vary in thickness and intensity, creating a sense of depth and volume with minimal means. Notice the drips and splatters, which weren’t erased. They suggest the speed and urgency of the artist’s hand and the immediacy of the drawing. The choice of ink and paper speaks to a tradition of drawing as a fundamental skill, a way of seeing and understanding form, and as the foundation of painting. Diebenkorn's drawing underscores the importance of craft and process in understanding his broader artistic vision, bridging the perceived gap between fine art and foundational practice.