Gustav Klimt trees 1st grade

Gustav Klimt art lesson

Students viewed the many paintings of Gustav Klimt, especially studying his "Tree of Life"  painting. 

They  could use a sharpie or an oil pastel to draw the tree. 

They then picked either warm or cool watercolors and painted squares of colors in the background. We review the terms positive and negative spaces.

Beautiful results!

1st grade Gusta Klimt tree of Life art project

Klimt Tree of Life art project

I actually found this idea here http://ourartlately.blogspot.com/2010/12/gustav-klimts-tree-of-life.html

The last time I taught this the students drew a tree on a Styrofoam sheet and printed them onto painted papers.  I love this version because the kids were so thrilled to use gold paint. I was a little nervous since this paint isn't the easiest to get out of clothes but as far as I know no one got any on themselves. 

The kids are crowded since some classes have 28 students. This photo was taken before I rearranged my classroom and added another table. I actually love my set up now (and the kids aren't elbow to elbow!).

Students first painted a tree on black 12" x 18" black construction paper with the gold tempera paint. They did not draw their tree with a pencil first. Everyone was successful!

I provided sequins and Elmer's school glue for students to embellish their trees. By the time they cleaned up their paint the trees were dry enough and they could add the sequins.

This lesson took 50 minutes including the introduction of Gustav Klimt and my demonstration.

I actually took a trip to Vienna, Austria and got to view "The Kiss".