Untitled [seated woman wearing high-heeled shoe] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this understated drawing of a seated woman with ink on paper, and it's all about seeing how much can be said with so little. The lines are tentative, almost searching, as if Diebenkorn is thinking through the form as he draws it. What I love about this piece is its bareness. You can see the hand of the artist so clearly. The way the lines wobble and sometimes fade away reveals the process, making it feel immediate and personal. Note the high heeled shoe; it's almost an afterthought, added with a few quick strokes. It's like he’s saying, "Oh, and she’s wearing this". Diebenkorn’s use of line reminds me of Matisse, but with a more restless energy. Both artists share a love of simplicity, but Diebenkorn brings a uniquely American sensibility to his work, embracing imperfection and celebrating the beauty of the everyday. It's a reminder that art isn't about perfection; it's about the journey, the exploration, and the conversation between the artist and the world.