My Experience Discovering Gustav Klimt in Vienna

"Litzlberkeller Lake Atter" by Gustav Klimt

It all started with a teacher trip to Poland to study Holocaust sites, but on my 8-day side trip

through Europe, I ended up falling in total awe with the work of artist Gustav Klimt.

Al almost everyone in the world is familiar with Klimt's "The Kiss" painting, and so I found out that it is housed in the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. It really was an emotional experience seeing it, I admit, but it was when I saw some of his other works there that I knew there was something else to be discovered. He is known for his decorative style and the "Symbolism" movement, which is striking when you see it in person. The sheer scale of "The Kiss" is awesome, at almost 6 feet tall.

As I explored the other works in the museum, it was when I saw one of his landscapes (seen above) that it really connected to my love of impressionists like Monet, and the boldness of Van Gogh.

Later that day in the Leopold museum, I experienced more of his beautiful works, with colorful, intricate panels of color, each brushstroke calculated, but still free at the same time. Detail and ethereal light is captured, but there is still a boldness and spontaneity in these works.

I totally love them! What do you think?