Untitled [reclining female nude with right arm outstretched] 1955 - 1967

This sketch of a reclining nude was made by Richard Diebenkorn, likely in the mid-twentieth century, using graphite on paper. It’s all about the line here, isn't it? That one, long stroke defining the curve of the back. Diebenkorn’s marks are tentative, searching. There are multiple lines at play. Look at the arm reaching out; it's not about perfection, but about process, about feeling the weight and form. It’s like he's thinking aloud with his pencil. The paper, so bare, so exposed, becomes a stage for this quiet exploration. It feels intimate, immediate. This reminds me a little of Matisse's line drawings, but with a uniquely American, West Coast vibe. It’s art as a form of conversation, and we're invited to listen in.