Franz Kline's early figurative works represent a foundational period in the artist's career before he transitioned to the bold, abstract expressionism that defined his legacy. Born in 1910 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kline's early life in a small coal-mining community and his exposure to the industrial landscapes of Pennsylvania had a lasting impact on his artistic sensibilities. These early experiences were later reflected in the dynamism and structural compositions of his abstract works (Art in Context).
Initially, Kline's work was figurative, focusing on landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits, often incorporating elements inspired by his surroundings and experiences. His early training included studying at Boston University's School of Art and the Heatherley School of Art in London, where he was exposed to modern art and the works of the Old Masters (The Art Story). Upon moving to New York in the late 1930s, Kline's encounter with the city's vibrant urban environment further influenced his artistic direction, introducing him to the energy and rhythm that would later characterize his abstract expressionist works (Art in Context).
Kline's early work was marked by a gestural technique, even within his figurative compositions, hinting at the abstract expressionist style he would later fully embrace. The influence of his friend Willem de Kooning was pivotal, encouraging Kline to explore abstraction more deeply. A transformative moment came when de Kooning suggested projecting one of Kline's chair sketches onto a wall, magnifying its scale and abstracting its form. This experience led Kline to adopt a more abstract approach, focusing on the dynamic interplay of black and white, exploring spatial relationships, and emphasizing the expressive power of line and form (Wikipedia).
Throughout his career, Kline maintained a connection to his early figurative and landscape works, even as his style evolved. The structural and compositional elements of his early work—such as the emphasis on the architectural form and the impact of the industrial environment—remained underlying themes in his abstract compositions. Kline's work, particularly his iconic black-and-white paintings, continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, technical innovation, and its reflection of the American socio-political climate of the mid-20th century (The Art Story) (Art in Context).
