10 Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids

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The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let’s learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

“There is nothing that special to see when looking at me.”

Many famous painters of the early 20th century had quite the active social life. They frequented cafes and exhibitions and made sure they were seen as much as their work. However, the quote above will show that there was one artist who didn’t fit in this mould – Gustav Klimt.

Born in Austria, Klimt is considered one of the main forces of the Vienna Secession art movement. However, he was quite the homebody. He stayed home in sandals and a loose robe, and people had to come to his home if they wanted to meet him. And plenty of people came – thanks to Klimt’s amazing work!

Gustav Klimt art projects for kids
Stoclet Frieze, 1905

Look at the painting above. It’s the Stoclet Frieze, a three-panel work painted by Klimt in a wealthy industrialist’s home. The three panels include a single woman, the Tree of Life and an embracing couple. This one work of art encompasses most of Klimt’s personal preferences. He loved working with gold leaf and metallic accents, which is reflected throughout in this painting. The single woman reflects the fact that Klimt painted many women, wearing elaborate costumes that he himself designed. The couple’s clothing shows another favorite of Klimt’s – lots and lots of patterns!

All of Klimt’s paintings have some incredible detailing, and kids can learn a lot from them. In fact, including Klimt’s various techniques is sure to be an interesting exercise, whether it’s working with patterns or metallics. Since it’s the artist’s birthday on 14th July, it’s the perfect time to learn more about him – with some amazing Gustav Klimt art projects for kids!

10 Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

1. Klimt Gold Patterns Collage

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

One of the easiest way to channel Klimt is to paint a beautiful patterned dress with gold details! A Faithful Attempt has done this in a fun way, where kids can cut out pictures from magazines and then use black craft paper and gold markers to go all Klimt on them!

2. Exploring Patterns with Klimt

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

Klimt’s Tree of Life shows lots of repeating swirly patterns, which gives the entire painting a rather luxurious look. Kids can try doing this on their own with this simple art lesson from Teach Beside Me.

3. Klimt Inspired Woman

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

One of Klimt’s most expensive paintings is the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, in which he has used gold leaf to a large extent. Deep Space Sparkle celebrates Klimt’s ‘Golden Girls’ in a project with different kinds of media and lots of metallic colors. Be sure to make the costumes flamboyant and detailed!

4. Gustav Klimt 3 D Trees

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

Recreate The Tree of Life in 3 D style with this easy project from Teach Kids Art. Twist gold pipe cleaners to create the Tree of Life, complete with all the swirls and curls. Stand it up in a firm base and you’ll have your very own Klimt-inspired masterpiece!

5. Klimt and His Cat

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

This book by Berenice Capatti takes us on a tour of Gustav Klimt’s art studio – guided by his cat! Klimt’s cat shows us around the place, and also sticks by Klimt’s side wherever he is. This adorable book is perfect for kids of all ages, and the cat’s viewpoint makes it an interesting read!

6. Klimt Style Quilt

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

This project by Artsonia is based on Klimt’s painting, ‘The Baby’. The painting features a baby covered by a quilt that’s filled to the brim with patterns and colors. So it’s obvious that this is a great project for kids to try out, making their own version of this multicolored quilt!

7. Klimt’s Birch Forest inspired Craft

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

Although Klimt spent most of his time at home, he occasionally ventured out to the woods to paint the trees. He dedicated so much time to this that the locals gave him nicknames like ‘Man of the Forest’ or ‘Forest Demon’! The Pinterested Parent recreates the famous ‘Forest of Beech Trees’ painting by using several materials and techniques. This is an interesting project even young kids can do with a little assistance.

8. Tree of Life Tempera Painting

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

If you can get your hands on some gold tempera paints, you should certainly try out this project from Elementary Art Fun! This is an open ended project that kids can modify to their heart’s content, adding paper scraps, glitter or embellishments. 

9. Gustav Klimt Jewelry

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but how about wearing art on your wrists? Cut Out and Keep gives us a fun tutorial for Klimt inspired bracelets made out of Popsicle sticks. Check out the detailed instructions to make these beauties!

10. Pattern Stamping inspired by Gustav Klimt

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

Woo Jr brings the Art Nouveau movement into our homes with this pattern stamping project. The fun part is that kids can make their own stamps with corks and foam sheets. Make triangles, swirls, circles or whatever you like – and don’t forget the golden paint!

The master of metallics, Klimt loved painting with gold leaf & patterns. Let's learn more about this amazing artist with some Gustav Klimt Art Projects for Kids!

Most of these projects are based on different works of Klimt, so it’s a great idea to first study the original art work with your kids before setting out for the project. Ask kids about what they see in the painting, what they like about it and what the artist may have been thinking. Let them let these thoughts reflect in their own creations – it’ll be lovely to see what they come up with!

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