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Notes to Myself


Notes to Myself on Beginning a Painting, By Richard Diebenkorn


1. Attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may then be a valuable delusion.

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


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


4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities but consider them absolutely expendable.

5. Don't discover a subject of any kind.


6. Somehow, don't be bored but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential.


7. Mistakes can't be erased, but they move you from your present position.


8. Keep thinking about Pollyanna.

9. Tolerate chaos.


10. Be careful only in a perverse way.

Richard Diebenkorn


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Art said...

Richard reminds me of you, Carole. You both work furiously.


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