Untitled [head study]

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled head study with graphite on paper, sometime in the mid-twentieth century. You know, when you look at Diebenkorn’s paintings, you can really see his process at work. And here, with just a pencil, it's even clearer! See how the lines aren't precious? They overlap, they search, they almost feel like he's thinking aloud. The scribbly shading around the eyes and nose gives the face volume, but it’s more than that. It shows how he's feeling his way around the form. That single line defining the cheek and jaw is so simple but says so much. Diebenkorn's not trying to trick you into thinking this is real; he's showing you how he sees. I’m reminded of Giacometti’s drawings; both artists manage to capture a likeness while still leaving room for doubt and exploration. It’s like they’re saying, "Here's a face, but there's so much more to see, to question, to feel."