Untitled c. 1950s

This untitled painting was made by Franz Kline, with paint on paper. The bold strokes and raw energy, it's like watching Kline work through his ideas right in front of you. There’s something so direct about the way Kline attacks the surface. The black marks aren't precious; they're laid down with a kind of urgency. But then you notice the colors underneath, the purples, the greens, even a little yellow peeking through. It's not just about the black and white drama, it’s like the underpainting is a ghost of previous ideas, haunting the finished piece. Look at the upper left area, where the colors mix, where the brushstrokes are really visible. It's a reminder that painting is a process, and that even in the most decisive-looking works, there's a history of searching and finding. It makes me think of Cy Twombly, with that same sense of gesture and openness. Ultimately, this piece is about the joy of the process, and the beauty of imperfection.