Richard Diebenkorn

Initially, Richard Diebenkorn's art aligned with abstract expressionism and the Bay Area Figurative Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. However, in the late 1960s, he embarked on an extensive series of geometric, lyrical abstract paintings.

Biography of Richard Diebenkorn

Born in Portland, Richard Diebenkorn was raised in California, where he spent most of his life. At a young age, he developed an interest in medieval heraldry and Bayeux Tapestries. In terms of artistic influences, Diebenkorn found early inspiration in the works of American illustrators Howard Pyle and N. C. Wyeth.

However, his most significant influence came from Edward Hopper, who profoundly impacted Diebenkorn's projects. Daniel Mendelowitz introduced him to Hopper’s work, serving as his formal art teacher at Stanford University, which Diebenkorn attended from 1940 to 1943. Besides Hopper, Mendelowitz also sparked his interest in the École de Paris movement and artists such as Marc Chagall and Max Ernst. Diebenkorn's studies were abruptly interrupted when he served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Nevertheless, the war did not extinguish his passion. 

While stationed at Quantico, VA, Richard Diebenkorn frequently visited the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC. There, he became acquainted with Henri Matisse's "Studio, Quai Saint-Michel." This unique piece, revealing the painting process through indoor/outdoor combinations, left a lasting impression on Diebenkorn and his art. 

Upon returning to California in 1946, the artist continued his education at the California School of Fine Arts. During this time, he met David Park, who encouraged him to explore the works of Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.

Diebenkorn later obtained his MFA from the University of New Mexico in 1951. His projects from this period, such as "Albuquerque No. 3" and "Albuquerque No. 4," were strongly influenced by the abstract school of New York, characterized by the juxtaposition of linear planes and fluid lines.

In the 1950s, as abstract expressionism gained popularity through Jackson Pollock's innovations, a different narrative unfolded in San Francisco. The Bay Area Figurative Movement emerged as an art movement composed of creators based in the San Francisco Bay Area who opted to depart from abstract expressionism and return to figuration. The movement unfolded in three phases: the First Generation, the Bridge Generation, and the Second Generation. Richard Diebenkorn belonged to the First Generation, alongside artists such as David Park, Elmer Bischoff, Wayne Thiebaud, and a few others. Diebenkorn, already widely recognized for his abstract works, took the biggest risk in returning to figuration.

Additionally, it's noteworthy that alongside his success as a painter, Diebenkorn was highly respected in the realm of printmaking. He began printmaking in early 1962 at Crown Point Press and held a distinguished position in printmaking circles, despite producing only around 100 prints. These works were exhibited in American galleries and museum shows. While painting remained his primary focus, Diebenkorn regularly returned to printmaking until his passing in 1993.

In 1978, he represented the United States with a solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale, and in 1991, he was honored with the National Medal of Arts. These accolades reflect the profound impact of his work and the recognition he received within the art world.