Klimt Cats
Kindergarten – AS.9.1.K. A, B, C, D
3 day project
Objective
Students will be introduced to the artwork of Gustav Klimt, particularly focusing on his
love of cats and his artistic style utilizing shapes and patterns to fill up large areas of his
work. Students will also continue to build basic skill sets by using art tools such as
scissors, glue, paint, paintbrushes, and oil pastels.
Anticipatory Set
Briefly refer to Gustav Klimt and his artwork, discuss his use of shapes and patterns and
talk about his love of cats. Show examples of Klimt inspired artwork using the image
of cats. Explain how to use the worksheet provided to draw a cat out of basic shapes,
model this for students. Also discuss how to properly use and take care of a paint brush
and how to use oil pastels. Discuss different types of patterns and look at a book on
patterns with students if available.
Essential Questions
What shapes do you see in Klimt’s artwork? What kind of colors? What animal did he
paint? Why do you think he chose to paint his cat?
Procedure
Day 1
Supplies
12x18 Manila Tag Paper
How to Draw a Cat Handouts
Tempera Paint
Brushes
Pencils
1. Students draw a large cat in pencil on 12x18 manila tag paper using the
worksheet provided (demonstrating how to draw cats using basic shapes)
2. Provide students with two colors to paint their cats with, explain the option to
make it stripped, spotted, etc
Day 2
Supplies
12x18 Construction Paper
(student can have color choice if desired)
Foil Paper Shapes (precut)
Confetti Squares
Glue
Oil Pastels
1. Students will create backgrounds for their cats by using one of the patterns
learned (stripes, plaid, checkers, polka dots, wiggly lines, zigzag, etc) using their
choice of oil pastels
2. Have students glue foil shapes all over their paper on top of the pastel patterns,
show them how to glue small confetti squares on top on foil shapes to create a
layer shape look similar to Klimt
Day 3
Supplies
Scissors
Glue
Painted Cats from Day 1
Finished Backgrounds from Day 2
How to Draw a Cat’s Face
1. Show students how to draw a cat face using basic shapes and following the
directions on the worksheet; have them use oil pastels to draw faces on their cats
2. Pre-class: outline all cats with red marker; have students cut cats out by cutting
on the red line
3. Students should glue cats on background
4. Using Oil Pastels, have students follow the worksheet on how to use basic
shapes to create a cat’s face
5. If have extra time, can add additional foil shapes to background
Assessment
Day 1 – Check for completion of cat based on use of basic shapes from worksheet
Day 2 – Check for creation of pattern in oil pastel and addition of shapes within shapes
Day 3 – Check for effective cutting by following the red line, completion of cat’s face
based on worksheet, and neatness (particularly with glue)
Closure
Review artwork of Klimt and talk about the elements used in the students’ artwork
(pattern, shapes, color, etc) and how this is similar to his work.