Studies of a Woman's Head [verso] 1945 - 1948

Franz Kline made this sketch, Studies of a Woman's Head, using graphite on paper. You know, there's something so intimate about sketches; they give us a glimpse into the artist’s thought process, the way they see and understand the world, mark by mark. Here, the lines are delicate, almost tentative, yet they capture the essence of the subject so beautifully. I'm drawn to the way Kline uses these spare lines to create form and shadow, like the gentle curve of a cheek or the fold of a garment. It's as if he's feeling his way through the image, exploring the contours and volumes with each stroke. Look at the area around the hands in the lower image – see how the lines thicken and darken, suggesting depth and texture? It's in these details that we sense the artist's hand, the physicality of the medium. For me, this piece recalls the tender studies of figures by Giacometti, in the way that it captures a likeness whilst hinting at a broader emotional landscape. Ultimately, this drawing celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the power of suggestion, and the ongoing dialogue between artist and subject.