Untitled [seated figure] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this drawing of a seated figure with ink on paper. The lines are so fluid and immediate, it’s like he’s thinking through the figure, not just representing it. The texture comes from the stark contrast between the black ink and the off-white paper. It’s economical in its gestures, yet the hand obscures the face, suggesting a moment of contemplation or maybe even doubt. Look at the casual crossing of her legs, the hand just so against her face. The simplicity emphasizes the pose's emotional weight. Diebenkorn was deeply influenced by artists like Matisse, whose use of line and form is evident here. It’s a reminder that art is always in dialogue, building on what came before, questioning, and pushing forward. Art isn't about answers, it's about exploring possibilities.