Klimt 'Tree of Life' Whimsical Painting

This is a fun mixed media painting project inspired by the Gustav Klimt painting 

"The Tree of Life, Stoclet Frieze" (1905).

Grade 4 - 6 students started by looking and discussing Klimt's painting, noticing the use of patterns and gold. From Klimt's "Golden Period," Byzantine artistic influences can be seen in the highly decorative robes worn by the passionate figures. 

Students started by painting a watercolour patterned background on the top of large heavy white paper. I demonstrated how they can use the shape of their brush (flat versus round) to create a simple pattern. Then, using tempera paint, they painted a simple pattern on the bottom. We discussed contrast at this stage. 

The next class they drew on a swirly whimsical tree. 

I demonstrated how branches start off thick but end up thin and the ends.

And painted this using black tempera.

The next class, gold patterns were added to the tree using gold acrylic paint and thin brushes.

I have tested MANY student brands of gold paint, and surprisingly, the Dollarama gold acrylic paint is the best imo.

Very happy with the final results!!