Untitled [standing nude with her left elbow raised] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this drawing of a standing nude, likely in his studio, using graphite on paper. The material itself, graphite, is humble. It's the same stuff you find in everyday pencils, allowing for a directness and immediacy in the mark-making. Diebenkorn coaxes a range of tones from the graphite. He does this by varying the pressure and density of his strokes. See how he builds up the shadows and contours of the figure. The paper, too, plays a crucial role. Its smooth surface allows the graphite to glide effortlessly, capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow. The process is one of reduction and refinement, as Diebenkorn simplifies the human form into its essential elements. This isn't about photorealistic accuracy; it's about capturing the essence of the figure through line and form. Ultimately, it is the interplay of the graphite, the paper, and Diebenkorn’s hand, that gives this drawing its expressive power. It reminds us that art-making isn't just about the finished product, but about the intimate relationship between artist, material, and process.