Untitled [standing nude with elevated left leg] 1955 - 1967

This drawing, by Richard Diebenkorn, uses graphite on paper to capture a standing nude figure with one leg raised. The simplicity of the materials—pencil and paper—belies the complexity of the artistic process. The visible lines, with their varying weight and intensity, reveal Diebenkorn’s hand at work. The artist is making and correcting, searching to capture the essence of the form. The choice of graphite, a readily available material, connects the artwork to everyday practices of sketching and drafting. It's a reminder that the foundation of any artwork, regardless of its medium, lies in the artist's skilled manipulation of materials. Diebenkorn elevates the commonplace into a compelling study of form and line, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.