The Kiss

Today also marks the 150th birthday of Gustav Klimt, a magnificent and unique artist and leader of the Secession movement (also called Art Nouveau) in Vienna. He's so popular that Google placed a doodle for him today in homage. His paintings are some of the most recognisable in the world, especially The Kiss (1907-8). His father was a gold engraver and he used gold leaf in most of his works. What I find most fascinating is that he painted his female models and sitters in the nude first, then covered the paintings with elaborate designs and patterns using the gold leaf. Such an intense and passionate process but worth the amazing results. If I could ever have my portrait done by any artist living or dead, I would choose to give the commission to Gustav Klimt.