Richard Diebenkorn's Berkeley Years (1953-1966) represent a significant and transformative period in the artist's career, where he explored both abstract and representational styles. This era is distinguished by its profound impact on the trajectory of American art post-World War II, and Diebenkorn is celebrated for his contributions during these years. The Berkeley period is characterized by Diebenkorn's shifting conceptions of abstraction and figuration, marked by a series of 131 paintings and works on paper that underscore the formal evolution of his diverse works, their interrelationships, and their possible meanings for the artist​ (FAMSF)​.

After moving to Berkeley, California, in 1953, Diebenkorn engaged deeply with the natural environment and cultural settings of the Bay Area, which profoundly influenced his work. This period in Berkeley was a time of dramatic stylistic and thematic transformations, resulting in many of his best-known works. Diebenkorn's Berkeley period included both an abstract phase (1953-1956) and a figurative phase (circa 1955-1967), showcasing landscapes, figures, interiors, and still lifes. The diversity and vibrancy of these works trace Diebenkorn's stylistic transformations from abstraction to representation, highlighting his independent exploration and rejection of strict allegiances to any single art movement​ (FAMSF)​​ (FAMSF)​.

Diebenkorn's work during the Berkeley years is recognized for its immersion in light, atmosphere, and the rich palette of the Bay Area. Despite his national profile rising during this time, he remained fiercely independent, navigating between abstract and figurative styles without conforming to the prevailing artistic trends. This period of Diebenkorn's career is a testament to his integrity as an artist and his ability to forge a unique path that resonated with the contemporary art world while maintaining a deep connection to the region that inspired him​ (FAMSF)​​ (FAMSF)​.