plate no. 4575

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I

Gustav Klimt, 1907

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitportraitfiguredecorative patternsgold leafornamental designtextile

advanced study

Students would develop advanced pattern-making skills, precision in decorative detail work, and understanding of how to balance realistic portraiture with highly stylized ornamental elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 80 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with detailed drawing of the figure's face and hands with accurate proportions
step 02
Map out the overall composition including the chair and dress silhouette
step 03
Apply base flesh tones for face, neck and hands using realistic modeling
step 04
Block in the golden background with warm ochres and raw umber
step 05
Begin intricate pattern work in the dress using geometric shapes and spirals
step 06
Add metallic gold details and highlights throughout decorative elements
step 07
Refine facial features and hair with careful attention to likeness
step 08
Final details: add small decorative motifs, eyes, and surface textures

color palette

primary · gold ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · viridian green · ivory black

Create warm flesh tones by mixing white with tiny amounts of ochre and burnt sienna; achieve golden metallic effects by layering warm ochres over darker undertones

techniques