Franz Kline (1910-1962). This Abstract Expressionist painter, born in Wilkes-Barre, helped establish the international reputation of American artists in the 1950's. Kline's "Action Painting" is noted for bold, emotionally charged brushstrokes and non-representational subjects. The stark anthracite landscape of his native region inspired Kline's most famous work: his black and white paintings of the 1950s, including "Lehigh", "Luzerne", and "Pittston".