A Seller's Guide To Richard Diebenkorn

Diebenkorn's artistic journey began at a young age, nurturing his drawing skills early on. According to the Richard Diebenkorn Foundation, he produced approximately 5,000 unique works throughout his lifetime. In the 1960s, he embarked on collaborations with various print studios, notably Crown Point Press and later Arion Press.

Crown Point Press published his inaugural suite of prints, titled 41 Etchings Drypoints, featuring thirteen bound volumes and twelve unbound folios. This seminal series reflects Diebenkorn’s admiration for Modern master Henri Matisse, showcasing his explorative movement between abstraction and figuration. The series' debut print on the secondary market was #37, from 41 Etchings Drypoints, and Artist Proof, in 1989, fetching £2,166 with fees at Christie’s. Works from this series continue to command prices in the several thousands of dollars range.

Diebenkorn also collaborated with Arion Press to produce Poems of W. B. Yeats. Among his most sought-after prints are those from the 1980s, including Green (1986), Blue (1984), High Green Version I and High Green Version II, both completed in 1992. Complementing his acclaimed Ocean Park series, these prints provide an accessible gateway into Diebenkorn's artistic realm compared to his paintings. With values reaching into the hundreds of thousands, these are Diebenkorn’s highest valued and most sought after prints.

Richard Diebenkorn Foundation

The Richard Diebenkorn Foundation offers valuable resources for verifying the authenticity of Diebenkorn prints. While they do not authenticate prints directly, they provide digital access to publications and archival materials containing prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptural objects. In 2016, the Foundation collaborated with Yale University Press to release Richard Diebenkorn: The Catalogue Raisonné, serving as the authoritative reference for all known unique works by the artist. Currently, there is no volume dedicated to cataloguing Diebenkorn’s prints, but the Foundation has indicated plans for such an endeavour in the future.

Richard Diebenkorn Print Publications: The Crown Press and Tamarind Institute

Analysing the authenticity of Diebenkorn’s prints is best done in chronological order by collection. His initial print series, 41 Etchings Drypoints, was created between 1963 and 1965, each dated accordingly. This collection consists of 13 books and 12 portfolios, in an edition of 25 plus various proofs. During this period, Diebenkorn also explored lithography as a guest at the then Tamarind Lithography Workshop, now the Tamarind Institue, producing works like Cup and Saucer (1965) and Untitled (1961). Lithographic pieces from the Tamarind Institute range in edition size from 15 to 50, with additional proofs. After this initial phase, Diebenkorn paused his printmaking until 1977 when he resumed working with Crown Press. His subsequent series, Nine Drypoints and Etchings, was released in an edition of 25 portfolios of 9 prints, also in editions of 25 plus proofs. Diebenkorn’s most sought-after prints emerged in the 1980s, featuring coloured depictions reminiscent of his iconic Ocean Park series. Edition sizes for these prints vary, ranging in edition size anywhere from 35 to 200.

Richard Diebenkorn Dates and Signatures

When verifying the authenticity of a Diebenkorn print, the creation date holds significance as it aligns with Diebenkorn’s specific production period. Additionally, Diebenkorn collaborated with a select group of publishers, so the provenance of the work typically traces back to one of his publishers: Crown Press, Tamarind Institute, or Arion Press. All Diebenkorn prints are signed and dated, typically in the lower right-hand corner with his initials, ‘RD,’ followed by the creation date. The works are also numbered, usually in the lower left corner, and bear the stamps of the publisher and printer in the lower right corner.
Diebenkorn boasts an extensive exhibition history, showcasing his works at various esteemed institutions across the United States, primarily on the West Coast, from Washington to Montana and various locations in San Francisco. Prints with an exhibition history tied to renowned institutions not only validate their authenticity but also enhance the value of Diebenkorn’s prints.

Browse Richard Diebenkorn prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.

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The condition of a print is crucial and can significantly impact its value when you're looking to sell. Naturally, older prints may show more signs of wear and tear over time. Diebenkorn began producing prints in the 1960s, continuing until the 1990s, so most prints on the market should be in good condition if properly cared for. When assessing a print, it's essential to check for tears, stains, or discolouration, and ensure that the back hasn't been damaged due to mounting. Proper framing with UV-resistant glass is vital to protect the print from sun damage. Additionally, using appropriate matting and mounting techniques prevents direct contact with the glass, minimising moisture buildup and potential damage.

Storage conditions are equally critical. Prints should be stored in a controlled environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Ideally, they should be kept flat in acid-free folders or portfolios to shield them from light, dust, and moisture.

Even prints in poorer condition still have a market, offering more affordable options for collectors on a budget. However, if you're seeking the highest value when selling, maintaining good condition is key. Any appraiser or broker will emphasise the importance of the print's condition in determining its value.

Although Diebenkorn's influence is expanding in the United Kingdom, his artistic origins are deeply rooted in the United States, particularly in California. His California-inspired paintings reflect a profound connection to the region's light and space, showcasing a palpable sensitivity to his surroundings. Widely regarded as one of America's foremost Post War masters, Diebenkorn's artworks are prominently featured in nearly every major collection across the United States. While his market in the UK is on the rise, his established presence in the US market remains significant and should be a key factor to consider when deciding to sell your artwork.

Determining the optimal time to sell your artwork hinges largely on market dynamics, such as recent record-setting auction prices or the artist's current level of recognition and popularity within the art world. For instance, Diebenkorn's auction record was shattered at Christie's in November 2023, with his piece Recollections of a Visit to Leningrad (1965). Additionally, several paintings spanning various periods of Diebenkorn’s career were featured in the May 2024 New York sales, although Ocean Park #12 (1968) remained unsold. However, this outcome doesn't necessarily indicate a weak market or low demand; rather, it reflects the natural fluctuations of market dynamics. In 2024, the LA Louver in Venice, California, renowned for its exhibitions spotlighting artists with a West Coast aesthetic, such as Contemporary master David Hockney, featured Richard Diebenkorn Works on Paper from March to May. Concurrently, Untitled (1976), a unique watercolour drawing representing Diebenkorn’s abstract period, exceeded expectations at Sotheby’s New York day auction, selling above the low estimate for £282,562, including fees.

Deciphering market trends can be challenging, especially for those new to the art scene. Collaborating with a reputable broker or dealer is recommended. They can provide insights into the fair market value of your print and maximise your selling potential.

At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.

Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.

Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:

How a Private Sale Works

Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.

Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.

Advisory and Recommendations

In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.

Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.

Beyond our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio acts as a collection management tool, enabling collectors to curate and monitor their print collections while tracking their value in real-time. This feature provides access to our print market database, intricately linked to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm meticulously evaluates public auction and private sales data to ascertain real-time valuations of individual prints, considering factors like condition, colour, and other elements influencing value.

Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jameison, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.

In today's ever-evolving digital art market, emerging art tech tools play a crucial role. For example, integrating Diebenkorn prints into the MyPortfolio dashboard on our website offers users invaluable insights into unique sales opportunities and real-time market performance, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our innovative technology has transformed art portfolio management, enhancing accessibility and providing users with data-driven insights for informed decision-making.