Untitled [female nude resting elbow on knee] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled nude drawing using ink on paper. It’s a quick sketch, really, but the immediacy is part of its appeal. Think about the relationship between the artist’s hand and the paper. The ink flows freely, pooling in some areas and scratching lightly in others. You can almost feel Diebenkorn’s energy, the speed and confidence of his line. It’s a great example of the kind of work that blurs the lines between fine art and craft. Consider the social context. Diebenkorn was working in a time of mass production, yet he chose to create something unique and handmade. In doing so, he was asserting the value of individual skill and expression, reminding us that art is not just about the end result, but also about the process and the human touch.