Kline, Franz

Kline, Franz (b Wilkes-Barre, Pa., 23 May 1910; d New York, 13 May 1962). American painter, generally considered one of the most individual of the Abstract Expressionists. He began as a representational painter, notably of urban landscapes, but turned to abstraction at the end of the 1940s. This change of direction reflected the influence of de Kooning and was also stimulated by his seeing some of his own drawings enlarged by a projector, an experience that made him realize their potential as abstract compositions. Once he had embarked on this new path he very quickly developed a highly individual style, converting the brushstrokes of these drawings into large-scale abstract paintings, using bold black patterns on a white ground reminiscent of oriental calligraphy, but with a distinctive rough vigour (he used commercial paints and house painter's brushes, sometimes up to 20 cm (8 in) wide). Towards the end of his life he sometimes incorporated vivid colours but for the most part remained loyal to his characteristic black-and-white style. He died of heart disease.