Untitled [seated nude woman in black stockings] 1955 - 1967

This piece by Richard Diebenkorn is an ink on paper drawing of a seated nude woman. It's a study in blacks, whites, and grays, where the ink is put down so swiftly. The mark making gives you the sense that it was all about the process for Diebenkorn. Look at how he renders the form; the weight of her shoulders, the way she slumps ever so slightly. The ink bleeds and pools, creating a sense of depth and shadow. It’s like he's capturing not just her physical presence, but the very essence of a fleeting moment. Notice that patch of ink at the bottom, to the right. It’s almost accidental, but it anchors the composition, giving it weight and grounding it in reality. Diebenkorn's work always reminds me of Matisse; that same sense of spontaneity and joy in the act of creation. It's a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about the journey of discovery.