The Swiss/German artist, Paul Klee, was born in 1879 and today would have been his birthday. He was a great admirer of children’s art, primitive art, and deeply influenced by music, which he studied for years. Klee’s work has been associated with many different styles including Expressionism, Surrealism and Abstraction, but he generally liked to work independently, coming up with his own interpretation of trends. This combination of skills and interests, coupled with his mastery of colour and experimentation with different media, made Klee’s work unique.
In this project, we will focus on Klee’s use of geometric forms, symbols and figures applied to dreamlike coloured backgrounds.
Materials
- paper
- chalk pastels, including a black one
- small sponge
- blending stump
Instructions
1. Take some time to look at the images of Klee’s work that I have provided above and below. Notice how he creates blocks of colours that lie side by side, in a variety of shapes. Black lines are then added on top. Now create your own background using a variety of colours like Klee has done. You can use a small sponge and stump to blend the colours together.
2. Once completed, take the time to look at how geometric patterns, symbols (like hieroglyphs), animal and human shapes might naturally belong in your background. Add them in.
Here are some additional works by Klee making use of geometric forms, symbols and figures:

Heroic Roses. Image: http://www.worldgallery.co.uk/art-print/Heroic-Roses-163736.html

Park Bei Lu. Image: http://www.easyart.com/art-prints/Paul-Klee/Park-Bei-Lu-6770.html

Zitronen. Image: http://www.worldgallery.co.uk/art-print/Zitronen-102657.html

Blau Nacht. Image: http://www.easyart.com/art-prints/Paul-Klee/Blau-Nacht-13256.html
Fun and I like yours! I saw some interesting works by him in my Art class. Sadly I rented the book and do not have it. But I have Google.
Thank you! It’s amazing to have access to pretty much anything through Google. Makes life so much easier.
Somehow you “found” me and WOW am I glad! My art degree is going to come in to play while I home school my grand kids for 2 weeks. Your blog will assist me in NOT having to take all my art project books!!! This KLEE project is perfect! Thank you for finding JOTS. I’m happy I found YOU!!
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed your writing, and I’m so glad I can be of help. Sounds like your grand kids are very lucky to have such a creative grand mother!
Well…you and your creativity are coming with me for those two weeks!!
I’ll keep you posted…thanks again!!
Looking forward to it!
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