untitled [recto] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled drawing with graphite on paper. You can see, he really went at it, making these marks that are super direct and raw. I always feel like the material is the message. Look closely at the belly and the way the lines gather and darken in that area, creating a sense of volume and depth. He's not trying to trick you into seeing something real. The lines aren't about perfecting the form, but more about capturing a feeling or an essence. The sketchiness of the lines, the way they overlap and intersect, adds a layer of visual texture that's super engaging. Diebenkorn's figure drawing reminds me of de Kooning's approach. Both had a similar commitment to process and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. Art isn't about answers, it's about questions, about exploring the endless possibilities of seeing and feeling.