The artwork titled “Ocean Park No. 54,” created by artist Richard Diebenkorn in 1972, is an exquisite example of Color Field Painting. This abstract genre piece was realized through the mediums of oil and charcoal on canvas. Its notable dimensions are 254 x 205.7 cm. This painting is part of the ‘Ocean Park’ series, which Diebenkorn worked on from 1968 to 1985, and is currently housed in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
“Ocean Park No. 54” showcases a composition of geometric abstraction, displaying a collection of rectangular and squared-off segments that come together to form an aesthetically balanced whole. The color palette is subtle yet varied, with the dominant blues and greens interspersed with hints of yellow, purple, and neutral tones. The application of paint ranges from thin, almost translucent washes to areas of denser color, implying a sense of depth and complexity. Charcoal lines traverse and border some of the color fields, contributing to the structural integrity of the composition. The large scale of the work invites viewers to immerse themselves in the contemplative space that Diebenkorn has masterfully orchestrated, reflecting the influence of the light and landscape that characterized the Ocean Park neighborhood in Santa Monica where the artist had his studio.
