Diebenkorn's transition into the "Clubs and Spades" series can be seen as a continuation of his exploration of abstraction and figuration. Before this series, Diebenkorn was deeply involved in the Bay Area Figurative Movement, which emerged in the 1950s as a reaction against the prevailing abstract expressionism. This movement saw artists like Diebenkorn reintroducing recognizable subjects into their work, blending abstract elements with more traditional forms to create a unique style that was both expressive and grounded in the observable world​ (Anderson Collection)​.

By the time of the "Clubs and Spades" series, Diebenkorn had already established a significant reputation through his "Ocean Park" series, characterized by large-scale, luminous, geometric abstractions that evoked the light and space of Southern California. Although specific details about the "Clubs and Spades" series are less commonly documented than his other work, it is clear that Diebenkorn's commitment to exploring the boundaries between abstraction and representation continued to inform his artistic output. His work from this period likely reflects a further refinement of themes and techniques developed earlier in his career, incorporating elements of landscape, abstraction, and perhaps a symbolic exploration through the motifs of clubs and spades.