Untitled [nude resting on her side with right hand supporting head] 1955 - 1967

This ink drawing of a nude, resting on her side, propped on one elbow, was made by Richard Diebenkorn sometime in the 20th century. It's all about the line, isn't it? How a simple, almost childlike, contour can define a whole world. Look how Diebenkorn uses line to suggest form and shadow. The hatching around the figure’s head and armpit isn’t just shading; it’s a way of building volume and texture with the most economical means. The lines aren’t precious, they feel immediate and searching. See the little corrections and overlaps, especially around the face? I love that honesty, that willingness to let the process show. It's like he's saying, “Here’s how I see, here’s how I think.” There’s something about the casualness of this drawing that reminds me of Matisse. Both artists share a similar ability to capture the essence of a figure with a few well-placed strokes. What a conversation. I wonder what they'd make of each other's work?