Untitled [portrait] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled portrait, most likely with ink, and maybe some kind of fluid paint, using a brush. The dark, washy marks create a likeness that feels both precise and totally off the cuff. Look at the way Diebenkorn uses the wetness of the ink. It’s thin in some spots, almost like a watercolor wash, and thick and juicy in others, pooling to create dark accents. See how the dark strokes around her face aren’t just shading – they're an active part of the composition, swirling and pulling the eye around. That one decisive stroke defining the side of her nose and the arch of her brow... it’s like he’s searching for the form, finding it in the act of painting. This piece reminds me of Alex Katz's portraits. They both share this idea of capturing a likeness with incredible economy, where every stroke counts. Ultimately, both Diebenkorn and Katz remind us that art is an ongoing conversation.