Untitled [seated female nude turning aside] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn’s “Untitled [seated female nude turning aside]” is a study in line, made with graphite on paper. The work’s impact lies in its immediacy. Diebenkorn’s process appears direct, almost improvisational. The graphite line varies in weight, creating a sense of volume and shadow with the most economical means. It would be easy to overlook this kind of drawing, as just a preliminary exercise. But consider the level of control required to make something that feels so spontaneous. The artist’s hand is everywhere, guiding the viewer’s eye. Diebenkorn clearly knew the traditions of academic life drawing – but he wasn’t interested in a polished performance. Here, he gets to the essence of his subject, with a raw and undeniably modern feel. In the end, it’s the simplicity of the materials and the directness of the making that give this drawing its power. It’s a great example of how art can be found in process, not just in the finished product.