Untitled [seated female nude resting her head on her hand] 1955 - 1967

This drawing of a seated nude, resting her head on her hand, was made by Richard Diebenkorn. It is executed in graphite on paper. What makes this piece compelling is how the artist uses line to capture both form and feeling. Notice the density of marks, built up layer by layer, suggesting the weight and volume of the figure. The repeated strokes also create a sense of the artist's hand at work. It’s a very direct, immediate process, far removed from the industrial modes of production. The labor involved is evident. Each line represents a conscious decision, a moment of engagement between the artist and the subject. Yet, the drawing remains open and unresolved. It invites us to consider the relationship between the artist, the model, and the act of representation itself. This emphasis on process and material challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. It reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but also about the journey of its creation.