The Richard Diebenkorn Foundation has a new website! Please visit diebenkorn.org.

Skip to main content

Studio note

Credit Line© Richard Diebenkorn Foundation
RD numberRDFA.163
Description
Transcription:

[Image 1]

Notes to myself on beginning a painting

[line break]


Attempt what is not certain. Certainty [strikethrough] if it comes at all [/strikethrough] may or may not come [strikethrough] at [/strikethrough] later [strikethrough] stages [/strikethrough]. It may then be a valuable delusion.

[line break]


The pretty, initial position which falls short of completeness is not to be valued—except as a stimulus for further moves.


Do search. But in order to find other than what is searched for.


Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities but consider them

[Image 2]


absolutely expendable.


Don’t “discover” a subject—of any kind.


Somehow don’t be bored—but if you must be, use it in action. Use its distructive [sic] [strikethrough] content [/strikethrough] potential.


Mistakes can’t be erased but they move you from your present position.


Keep thinking about Polyanna [sic].


Tolerate chaos.


Be careful only in a perverse way.

Copyright Request Form
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76
Studio note
c. 1966–76