Customer Reviews

Richard Diebenkorn: Revised and Expanded

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For anybody that likes the work of Richard Diebenkorn, this is a must have. The reproductions and text are top quality. I have many of books on Diebenkorn and this one is by far the most complete and professional. It lays out all the development and changes in his work including many reproductions of drawings and studies that most of his books do not include. A must have for any young painter or collector.

A thorough accounting of the artist and his life. Lovely collection in full color plates of the different phases of his works. Although the represented works are not a complete collection they are well worth the price of the book.

Anyone reading this book will walk away with a good understanding and visual memory of what the artist gave the art world.

One of the best art books I have read so far. The reproductions do justice to this master of color, virtually unknown outside the U.S.and, as a French reader,thanks to this book, I discovered one of the most impressive achievements in recent modern art: the Ocean Park series which Diebenkorn painted in the late 60's and early 70's. The other aspects of his oeuvre are, in my opinion, not as imposing, but to understand an artist, it is necessary to have a global vision of his output, and this is what this book manages to give.

What's not to love....

First, the publisher Rizzoli: when teetering on the idea of purchasing an art book, the name Rizzoli shoves me into the "buy" arena. Their color plates and documentation never disappoint and few if any publishers do it better. Many is the time I bought a book only because Rizzoli published it.

Second, Gerald Nordland: where many writers concentrate on Diebenkorn's work only, Nordland introduces us to the man; he is more explanatory than celebratory. Why does the "man" go from Abstract Expressionism to figurative work? And then, why go back? As another artist, Katherine Anderson, once said to me "we don't become better, we become different." Nordland takes us on Diebenkorn's journey as he becomes different.

Third, Richard Diebenkorn: who, in the time of clotted Abstract Expressionism, chose figurative work. You know that must have made him unpopular. Why would he choose to fall out of favor.

When he chose to work in thin layers of oil wash his critics said his canvases were covered in "piss." What would drive an up and coming artist to turn his back on fame and fortune?

Diebenkorn spent one year in the Midwest. A cloudy overcast Midwest this California transplant came to despise. A Midwest that can sadden the most hardened of us natives. He would return to California after that horrible year.

But it was after Diebenkorn's Midwest trial that he came to find his own internal sun-drenched existence in his internal mind. It is in California's unrelenting sunlight that he would craft his own unique voice. And it is Nordland who unveils to us Diebenkorn the man who would always choose to swim upstream.

I salivate over this book, and look at it daily. Diebenkorn has always been a big inspiration to my artistic endeavors, and the images in this book (plus the text, which is well written) is such a treat. Really covers it all!

Excellent monography about a painter all to discover; all the periods and technics are overviewed in a very pleasant language; a lot of place for reproduction of works of Diebenkorn and reproduction work is very meticulos. So, probably the best book about the work and life of Richard Diebenkorn

I give it a 5 star because the content was exactly what I was looking for. To own a book by the author is difficult to find. The text is very informing and the photo's are true to color. I am always interested in abstract art, and I found it very informing.

Good book at an excellent price. It is worth it. Good pictures. Reading a little bit heavy.

I was looking for a thorough catalog of Diebenkorn paintings and this book exceeded my expectations. The images are high quality, large format and extensive. Well worth the cost.

This book is illustrates an amazing insight into Richard Diebenkorn's artistic journey - plenty of colour plates illustrating not only his work but that of the artists who played a valuable part in influencing his own work. Like most artists Diebenkorn began with a classical approach to his work and gradually created his own unique style. When we look at his work, we know its his. For any artist needing to be inspired or needing to formulate their own direction, this book shows clearly that the work of an artist is always evolving. Well worth acquiring.