Richard Diebenkorn Original Vintage San Francisco Bay Area Figurative Expressionist American Art Oil Painting of a Floating Home Houseboat in Sausalito California
Original vintage San Francisco Bay Area Figurative oil on canvas painting by Richard Diebenkorn. The painting is dated '55 under the artist's initials and is a striking figurative painting of a floating home houseboat in Sausalito at sunset. An early painting by the artist, this work is reminiscent of Edward Hopper's work. This painting is dated '55, during the artist's Berkeley period.
Continually exploring form, color, and space marked Richard Diebenkorn's artistic journey. After World War II, he returned to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene and became a pivotal figure in developing abstract expressionism on the West Coast. His early abstract expressionist works, characterized by bold brushstrokes and emotive gestures, reflected the influences of artists such as Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove, and particularly, Edward Hopper.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Diebenkorn's artistic trajectory took him to various locations, including San Francisco, Sausalito, Woodstock, and Albuquerque. These experiences enriched his artistic vocabulary and led to the development of his unique style within the abstract expressionist movement. His paintings from this period often featured dynamic compositions, rich textures, and a sense of movement that captivated viewers and critics alike.
By the mid-1950s, Diebenkorn's artistic vision underwent a significant shift as he began to reintroduce elements of figuration into his work. This marked the beginning of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, a movement that emphasized the human figure and everyday life as subjects for artistic exploration. Diebenkorn's figurative paintings from this period showcased his mastery of form and composition, blending elements of abstraction with representational imagery in a harmonious balance.
The 1960s proved to be a transformative decade for Diebenkorn as he delved into printmaking and explored new techniques and mediums. His collaboration with Crown Point Press resulted in a series of etchings and drypoints that further showcased his versatility and innovative spirit as an artist. Concurrently, his association with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he served as a professor, provided him with opportunities to engage with emerging artistic trends and mentor a new generation of artists.
In 1967, Diebenkorn embarked on what would become his most celebrated series, the Ocean Park paintings. Inspired by aerial landscapes and the serene vistas of Santa Monica's Ocean Park neighborhood, these paintings embodied a sense of tranquility, harmony, and contemplation. Through a meticulous process of layering colors and shapes, Diebenkorn created compositions that invited viewers into a world of introspection and visual poetry.
The Ocean Park series catapulted Diebenkorn to international acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a master of abstract expressionism and color field painting. His works were exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Pasadena Art Museum (now the Norton Simon Museum), where a mid-career retrospective in 1960 showcased the breadth and depth of his artistic vision.
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Diebenkorn remained dedicated to his craft, producing a remarkable body of work that continued to inspire and captivate audiences. His legacy as a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of abstract art while maintaining a deep connection to the human experience endures to this day, making him a towering figure in the history of American art.
About the subject:
The houseboat community in Sausalito, California began to develop in the late 1940s for shipworkers during World War II. The homes are made from materials like barges, Chinese junks, and logs, and are linked to the piers by wooden walkways. The homes are a source of pride in the city and have been the subject of international admiration for their architecture.
Richard Diebenkorn
San Francisco Bay Area Figurative, Abstract Expressionist
Oil and mixed media on Canvas
Floating Home in Sausalito
1955
House, Architectural
Painting is marked/signed by the artist, in several areas. Initialed lower left, "RD" and is notated under the artist's initials which appears to be the date of '55. The lower middle has a few notations. To the right of the initials, in black is the artist's notation, "Sausalito." One notation is "SF" in larger script, and what appears to be a notation regarding the artist, Edward Hopper.
The painting measures approximately 24" X 30", plus frame
The painting is in very good original condition and is still housed in the original, vintage, wood frame. There have been no overpaints, or chemical cleans performed. There is a small nick in the painting, with missing paint, as shown, in the middle, below the window. Please review the images.
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