In 1962, after finishing his education at the Slade in June, Procktor was awarded the Abbey Minor Travel Scholarship. He set off on holiday that Summer to Italy and Greece alongside Micheal Upton, his lover, and other friends. The trip facilitated many watercolour sketches of Upton swimming, which all bear a resemblance to the more detailed figures in 'Reclining Figures I and II'. Returning to London, the artist worked solidly on his painting throughout the Winter and had his first solo exhibition, a near sell-out, featured this work the following year. The assimilation of the influences of his teachers such as David Bomberg and Keith Vaughan can be felt in this painting, particularly in the jagged outlining of the figures and rich colouring. Likewise, the use of diptych panels as framing devices reflects those used by Francis Bacon, another of Procktor’s teachers. The characteristic focus on the interplay between figure and backdrop governs this early work and foretells the artist's continuing interest in his relationship with Upton, which plays out throughout his career.

Less than twelve months after his graduation from the Slade School of Art. and with the Redfern Show lauded, Procktor was propelled to the forefront of the British art scene. Procktor and his friend David Hockney became the 'dandy art twins' of sixties London, with its burgeoning media representations of art and celebrity.