Richard Diebenkorn Writings
Studio note
Date:
c. 1956–59 Current owner:
Richard Diebenkorn Foundation Archives
Credit Line:
© Richard Diebenkorn Foundation RD number:
RDFA.231 Description
Transcription:
[image 1]
A painter needs only his own sensibility with which to comment on art, art in the world, and the world.
A painter does not have to invent new and original forms. The value of the painting rests entirely on the quality of feeling that is vested in it.
[image 2]
On the small heads my only intention is to bring to them what to me is a human look. [strikethrough] to them. With more finicky handling I can get some good pictures of a human look but there is a distance [/strikethrough] The breadth of handling, the colors used, the kind of light, etc. all are brought to the painting as a means to fulfilling this intention. Even the human look is not preconceived. Often in mid-process I re-realize that this is all that I want from the canvas.
[image 1]
A painter needs only his own sensibility with which to comment on art, art in the world, and the world.
A painter does not have to invent new and original forms. The value of the painting rests entirely on the quality of feeling that is vested in it.
[image 2]
On the small heads my only intention is to bring to them what to me is a human look. [strikethrough] to them. With more finicky handling I can get some good pictures of a human look but there is a distance [/strikethrough] The breadth of handling, the colors used, the kind of light, etc. all are brought to the painting as a means to fulfilling this intention. Even the human look is not preconceived. Often in mid-process I re-realize that this is all that I want from the canvas.