Tree of Life

Kindergarten
2 Class Periods

Tree of Life, Kindergarten Art Lesson

About the Artist:
The artist we studied for this lesson is named Gustav Klimt.  Gustav was born in Austria on July 14, 1862.  He is known as a symbolist painter.  He loved to use gold in his artwork and had quite a fondness for cats.  The artist passed away February 6, 1918.

Artist Gustav Klimt

The painting we examined for this lesson is entitled Tree of Life.  The Tree of Life was painted in 1909.  The Tree of Life represents wisdom, protection, strength and beauty.  The branches of the tree reach towards the sky as the roots run deep into the ground.  This painting tries to depict how the tree is linked to Heaven, the Earth and the Underworld.  The curly branches give the tree a unique look, which also causes the viewers eye to travel around the piece enabling them to see all the hidden details within the composition.

Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt.

Day 1:
On the first day of this lesson students learned about artist Gustav Klimt.  We examined his famous painting entitled Tree of Life.

Together, through follow along demonstration students painted a tree on black construction in a similar style to Klimt's tree in his painting.  Students were allowed to use gold or silver paint for their tree.

After the trees were painted on the paper, students used a Q-tip to create dots around the tree.  We discussed how these dots could represent leaves that were on the tree.  Students used gold, silver and bronze paint for this step.

Student adding leaves around her tree with a Q-tip.

Day 2:
As a class we discussed the idea of pattern (designs that repeat).  Students were instructed to trace circles around their painted dots.  Gold, silver and bronze sharpie markers were used for this step.  I told students that the more dots they circles the fuller their tree would appear.  Students were also allowed to make small dots with the markers around the tree and in between the leaves.

Nine to 10 dots of glue were added to the compositions and then covered in glitter to give that tiny bit of sparkle that kicked up our pieces a notch.

I do not believe these photos give this project enough justice.  This truly is a stunning piece once completed and receives many compliments when it is hung in the hallway.

Student Examples: