Klimt Pattern People

This is the third time I have taught this project and usually the students love it. This time it was weird. They seemed to like it but it was like they didn't care. Having students not care is not unusual for a middle school but it is something I don't usually encounter with this project.

For this project the students are introduced to the art of Gustav Klimt and a basic introduction of the Art Nouveau art movement. The main focus is on line, pattern and design. What is really interesting is how the students handle a new medium -- white charcoal on black paper. usually everything we do starts with white paper and pencil. This use of the white drawing on black paper works well and I feel challenges the students a bit.

I am excited to see what the other students say about the artwork. Usually the rest of the school loves to look at these drawings and comment of the patterns, the models/celebrities and the fashions drawn.

Inspiration

This week I was writing a design unit for my 8th grade classes based on the design movement known as Art Nouveau. Artist like Gustav Klimt, Mucha and Louis Comfort Tiffany come to mind when thinking about this style in both painting and design.

I always characterized this style with the simpliest forms and shapes. The use of geometric shapes in Klimts paintings and the use of flowers and peacock feathers in Tiffany's lamps and vases. It is such a graceful style of art.

So I decided to create my own Art Nouveau inspired piece. But what colors to use? This is always the hardest part for me.

Art Nouveau Poppies
Watercolor, Ink, stamps, prisma color pencils
Art Journal c. 2011

Well... I came across another blog that I fell in love with! The Play Date Cafe does a color challenge that really spoke to me as an artist with no clue when it comes to choosing color.

The color challenge this week was for petal pink, coral and antique gold. When I heard that I automatically thought flowers.

What inspires you?