Oil on canvas. Featuring an abstract composition. Signed and attr. Richard Diebenkorn (American, 1922-1993) on the lower left corner. 49 x 55 cm (19.3 x 21.7 in.) Richard Diebenkorn was a versatile and influential 20th-century American painter who, over the course of a long career, defied convention and worked in several distinct aesthetic periods. Considered a quintessentially Californian artist, he is perhaps best remembered as a founding member of the Bay Area Figurative movement along with such artists as David Park and Elmer Bischoff. Born on April 22, 1922 in Portland, OR, he grew up in San Francisco and traveled extensively. He initially painted in the manner of Abstract Expressionism, creating gestural, compositionally balanced works. By the 1950s his focus had changed towards painting directly from observation—highly unfashionable at the time, and considered retrograde by many critics. Diebenkorn’s foray into figuration lasted until the winter of 1966, when he embarked on a new series of abstract works employing a personal, geometric style. This culminated in his celebrated Ocean Park series, which consisted of some 135 paintings which he continued to work on until his death. Diebenkorn died on March 30, 1993 in Berkeley, CA at the age of 70. PROVENANCE: Southern Ontario estate

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.