Untitled [nude reclining with her head back] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn’s nude reclining with her head back is an enigmatic drawing made with pencil on paper. What’s striking to me is the confidence of the line. It's like he's feeling his way around the form, not trying to capture it perfectly but letting his hand explore the space, one line at a time. Look at the way he suggests the curve of the back and the swell of the belly, all with these spare, almost hesitant marks. There’s a sensuality in the way the lines dance around each other, creating a sense of volume and weight without ever becoming labored or overworked. It reminds me of Matisse. Both artists share a love for the simple, elegant line and an understanding of the body as a landscape to be explored and celebrated. It’s not about perfection, it’s about the process, the act of seeing, and the pleasure of putting a mark on paper. Art doesn’t need to be definitive, it’s a conversation.