Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is one of the most sparkly, pattern filled paintings in the world, which makes it perfect for kids. This easy Klimt art project for kids uses gold, shapes and repeating patterns to make a shimmering picture of people they love.
Who Was Gustav Klimt?
- Klimt (1862 to 1918) was a painter from Vienna, Austria.
- His father was a gold engraver, so Klimt grew up around shiny metals.
- He painted The Kiss in 1907 to 1908 during his famous “Golden Phase,” when he added real gold leaf to his paintings.
- Today The Kiss hangs in the Belvedere museum in Vienna.
Look Closely: What Kids Notice
- Two kinds of patterns. The man’s robe is covered in black, white and gold rectangles. The woman’s dress has circles and colorful flowers.
- A field of flowers. The couple kneels at the edge of a flower meadow.
- Gold everywhere. Even the background sparkles.
Ask: Why do you think Klimt gave each person different shapes? What shapes would you choose for yourself?
Klimt Gold Pattern Art Project
Supplies
- Canvas or thick paper (8×10 works great)
- Washable acrylic paint: gold, yellow, red, black, green
- Gold glitter glue or gold paint pen
- Brushes, a pencil and a paper plate palette
Steps
- Pick your people. Lightly sketch two or more people you love hugging or holding hands. Simple shapes are perfect.
- Give each person a pattern. Choose a shape for each: squares, circles, swirls, triangles or flowers.
- Paint the background. Use gold and yellow, dabbing in a few dots of other colors.
- Fill the clothes with patterns. Repeat each person’s shape over and over in black, red and green.
- Add the sparkle. Trace patterns and add dots with glitter glue. Let it dry flat overnight.
The goal is not to copy The Kiss. It is to borrow Klimt’s ideas, gold and patterns, and make a picture that is all your own.
Make It Easier or Harder
- Ages 5 to 7: Skip the people and fill a page with gold background and patterned shapes.
- Ages 8 to 12: Add a flower meadow at the bottom and mix patterns inside patterns.
- Teens and adults: Try oil paint and real gold leaf, like Klimt did.
Get Everything in One Box
Klimt’s The Kiss is our November 2026 masterpiece. The Kids Box includes washable paints, gold glitter glue, an 8×10 canvas and a kid friendly pamphlet about Klimt. The Teens & Adults Box includes oil paints and real gold leaf sheets with adhesive. New members get 50% off the first box with code 50ACM26. Order by the 15th to get next month’s box.
More ideas: Famous Paintings for Kids: 12 Masterpieces to Explore at Home and our Starry Night art project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Kiss by Gustav Klimt about?
The Kiss shows a couple embracing at the edge of a flower meadow, wrapped in robes covered with gold patterns. It is a celebration of love and closeness, painted with real gold leaf.
How do you teach Klimt to kids?
Show them The Kiss, point out the different patterns on each person, share that Klimt’s father was a gold engraver, then let them create their own gold, pattern filled picture.
What age is a Klimt art project good for?
Kids as young as 5 can make gold pattern art with glitter glue and simple shapes. Older kids and teens can add more detail, layered patterns or real gold leaf.
