Klimt's Cozy Quilts

In Model Masters we explored the ornamental art of Gustav Klimt.  Klimt was an Austrian artist whose work is inspired by his gold engraving background.  He's considered to be part of the Art Nouveau movement, which was popular from around 1880 to 1915.  

 The Art Nouveau style is characterized by:

•  organic, mostly floral and plant inspired motifs
•  highly stylized swirling forms
•  spirals
•  metallic elements
•  curling scrolls

This style became popular in paintings, sculptures, architecture, furniture, fabrics, and jewelry.  We were especially inspired by Klimt's "Cradle" painting, which features a baby wrapped in warm colorful quilts with lots of patterns.

Supplies:

Tube Watercolors

11"x15" watercolor paper

Styrofoam plates for palettes

Metallic paint markers-I like Sakura

Fine Point Black Sharpie

I began this Art Nouveau art project having student take turns coming up to the white board and filling a square with different patterns and designs.  This part of the project was especially fun as students were given the chance to brainstorm and come up with a unique design to add to our "line and pattern vocabulary"

1. We then began our art projects by drawing a simplified self-portrait at the top of watercolor paper.  We add a variety of curvy lines that reached out to all of the edges of our papers to create the "cozy quilt" around our bodies.  Some students even chose to put a sibling or favorite bedtime stuffed animal snuggled into their quilts.
2.  Next, we filled each space of the quilt with a different pattern.
3. We continued this project the following week by using watercolor palettes to paint each quilt shape.  Students were shown how to glaze with a light color, and then once the area dried, to go back over it with a darker color to create the patterns. 
4. When all the areas were painted and dried, we used black sharpies and gold and silver paint pens to embellish the patterns, add stitching, and sewn on patches. The metallic elements were added to eccentuate Klimt's use of gold leaf.**Make sure paintings are completely dry before using markers and pens, wet paint ruins these expensive tools!

I think these projects turned out fabulous and the students are extremely happy with them.  Many would not give them up to hang in the on-site gallery at the school!

            Adam                                     Camille

          Gaia                                          Heather W.

          Jake                                      Josh

            Yula

          Stephan

     Maggie                                    Miss Vanessa

                   Megan

     Kenna                                     Heather S.

                 Andrew