Untitled [side view of seated female nude] [recto] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled drawing of a seated nude with ink on paper. It’s about mark-making, the push-and-pull of line, and, most importantly, the pentimento of process. The ink is neither completely opaque nor transparent; rather, it inhabits a middle ground of visibility. You can see how he re-worked lines in her face and the lower contour of her body. It’s so great when an artist lets you see their thought process. He’s not trying to hide anything, right? The lines are not too precious but exist in a state of becoming. Look at how those bold strokes on the ground suggest a shadow. It’s not overworked, but rather leaves space for our imagination. Diebenkorn's approach to the figure reminds me of Matisse; both share a commitment to line and a simplification of form, although Diebenkorn has this distinctly American sensibility. For both, the joy lies in seeing, and showing, how a few well-placed lines can bring a figure to life.