Untitled [seated woman holding a cup] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this ink and gouache drawing of a seated woman holding a cup. Notice the blue lines dancing around the figure, almost like an aura. It reminds me that making art is a process of feeling and searching. The heavy use of black ink creates bold shadows, especially behind the figure. It gives the work a strong sense of depth. But then you see the blue lines cutting through the dark washes, and it's like, oh yeah, this is also about the surface. It's about the push and pull between what's underneath and what's on top. Look at her face, it's barely there, just a smudge of ink. But then those blue lines define her dress and posture. It’s like a game of hide-and-seek. Diebenkorn’s approach resonates with the work of Matisse, who also used line and color to create a sense of space and depth. Ultimately, this drawing celebrates the act of seeing and making. It reminds us that art isn't about capturing reality, but about creating a new way of experiencing it.