Dimensions: sheet: 43.2 x 27.6 cm (17 x 10 7/8 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
Diebenkorn made this untitled nude on paper with ink, and it's all about the process. The wash of diluted ink feels immediate, like a snapshot of a moment. Look at how he's built the figure with these transparent layers, letting the white of the paper peek through. The ink isn't overworked; it's fluid, almost watery, creating a sense of depth with minimal effort. See that dark, expressive stroke defining the model's leg and how it grounds the whole composition. It's so direct, so sure. Diebenkorn’s use of ink reminds me of Franz Kline, who also had a knack for making something powerful out of simple gestures. Both artists show us that art is not about perfection but about the energy and the act of making. It’s the conversation between the artist, the medium, and the moment.
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