Untitled [nude fixing her hair] [verso] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this drawing, "Untitled [nude fixing her hair]", using ink on paper. The choice of such simple materials really puts the focus on his draftsmanship. It’s all about the line here. Notice how minimal it is; the contour of the figure is described with incredible economy. Diebenkorn is really pushing the limits of how little information is needed to convey form. There’s a rawness to it, but also a clear mastery. You sense that he could have added more detail if he wanted to, but chose not to. Diebenkorn was working within a long tradition of life drawing, of course. But he’s also bringing a very modern sensibility to bear. There is no attempt to prettify the figure or idealize it. The drawing is honest, direct, and matter-of-fact. It’s a great example of how even the most traditional subjects can be made fresh through a focus on materials and process.