A Tribute To Gustav - Harmonies in Circular Motion
- Eric Buechel
- May 16
- 6 min read
Harmonies in Circular Motion
The Art Guild of Fairfield Glade recently issued an intriguing challenge to its members: to create a work of art inspired by a renowned artist, but with a personal twist that reflects our individual styles and interpretations. This event was part of a series of Friday night openings, a vibrant gathering where creativity flowed freely, and artistic ideas sparked lively discussions among members. During one of these evenings, one of the guild members, with a sense of anticipation and excitement, walked around the room, hat in hand, inviting each artist to participate in this unique exercise. As I reached into the hat, I pulled out the name of the illustrious artist Gustav Klimt, a name synonymous with beauty and intricate design. The moment I saw Klimt's name, a wave of both excitement and trepidation washed over me, as I realized that this was not going to be an easy task.
After leaving the exhibition that night and settling into my thoughts, my mind was racing with ideas and concepts, each one competing for my attention. For the next couple of days, I found myself completely absorbed in contemplation about how best to approach this project. Many people might assume that the bulk of an artist's time is spent directly in front of an easel or a table, meticulously applying paint to canvas. However, the reality is quite different. I have discovered that my most fruitful ideas often come to me during moments of deep reflection throughout the day, but my most profound inspirations tend to keep me awake at night, swirling in my mind like a tempest. While I understood that this was meant to be a fun exercise for our group, for me, the stakes felt higher. It’s always about striving for excellence; I believe that if I cannot give my best effort, then it is better to refrain from participating at all.
Within just a few days, I embarked on this creative journey, eager to express myself in a way that honored Klimt's legacy while also showcasing my unique artistic voice. I have a solid understanding of Klimt's Art Nouveau and Symbolist style, but the real challenge lay in determining how to infuse a contemporary flair into his work. The next question that loomed large was which of Klimt's paintings would serve as my primary source of inspiration. After extensive exploration through my studio library and various online resources, I ultimately decided to focus on one of his most iconic pieces, the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. This masterpiece has captured the attention of many art enthusiasts, and I found it compelling enough to delve into. A particularly engaging read that I recommend is "The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer," which provides fascinating insights into the painting's history and significance.
With my chosen piece in mind, I set to work on the design and drawing phase of my project. By the end of the first day, I had completed the initial drawing and ordered gold acrylic paint to use on the edges of my painting. This choice was deliberate, as I aimed to simulate the luxurious gold leaf that Klimt famously employed to draw viewers into his work. Klimt’s use of gold was masterful, and he undoubtedly succeeded in creating an alluring visual experience. In contrast, I reflected on how artists like Rembrandt managed to achieve a golden hue using a more limited palette, relying on their skills and techniques to create depth and richness. Initially, I was uncertain about the application process; however, I ultimately decided to utilize my airbrush for the majority of the painting. I chose the Paasche Talon Gravity-Feed Airbrush TG No.2L, which is often underrated in professional circles. Yet, I have found that it is not merely the airbrush itself that contributes to fine line work; it is also the air pressure and the gentle touch that an artist employs. I rely heavily on this airbrush, as it has proven to be the workhorse of my tools, delivering consistent results and demonstrating remarkable durability.
As I began to contemplate the swirling background of colors for my piece, I made a conscious decision to diverge from Klimt's approach. While he opted for a static background that provided a sense of calm and grounding, I envisioned an active, dynamic background that would create a sense of movement and energy. Although Klimt included rounded shapes within his backgrounds, they were firmly anchored and lacked any sense of motion. I want to clarify that my intention is not to label his choices as right or wrong; rather, I sought to create something that was a stark contrast to his original vision. The statement I aimed to make with my artwork was straightforward: I wanted this piece to be distinctly mine. Looking ahead, I recognize that I could have pushed the boundaries of this project further, and in the years to come, I might reflect on this experience and wonder if I could have approached it differently. However, despite these musings, I feel a sense of accomplishment in having achieved what I set out to do, and I remain hopeful that my friends and fellow artists at the gallery will appreciate the effort and passion I poured into this piece.
Gustav Klimt's Glistening Patterns
By Eric Buechel
In gold and hue, a vision bright, Adele Bloch-Bauer, a stunning sight. With whispers of elegance, grace intertwines, In Klimt's embrace, her beauty shines. The canvas breathes life, infused with the artist's unique perspective, capturing not just the physical form of Adele, but also the very essence of her spirit. Klimt's brush dances across the surface, transforming oil paint into a symphony of visual delight, where every detail contributes to the overall narrative of beauty and allure.
Glistening patterns, a tapestry woven, Each stroke a secret, each color a token. The richness of life in a frame confined, A portrait of passion, forever enshrined. The use of gold leaf in Klimt's works is not merely decorative; it serves as a metaphor for the divine and the transcendent. Each layer of gold captures light in a way that evokes a sense of ethereal beauty, creating a luminous quality that draws the viewer in. The intricate details, from the floral motifs to the geometric shapes, reflect the complexity of human emotion and experience, inviting us to explore the depths of Adele's character and the world she inhabited.
Her gaze, a story, deep and profound, In silence, her spirit dances around. Echoes of laughter, of dreams yet to be, Captured in time, eternally free. The eyes of Adele Bloch-Bauer are not just windows to her soul; they are a mirror reflecting the viewer's own emotions and thoughts. Klimt expertly captures a moment of introspection, allowing us to ponder the mysteries of her life and the unspoken narratives that lie within her expression. Each glance seems to convey a myriad of feelings, from joy to melancholy, making her presence both haunting and enchanting. The portrait becomes a dialogue between the subject and the observer, where each person finds their own meaning in her profound gaze.
Through Klimt's lens, we glimpse the divine, A moment suspended, where worlds intertwine. In the heart of Vienna, her essence remains, Adele, a muse, where beauty sustains. Klimt's work transcends the boundaries of time, allowing us to connect with the past while contemplating its implications for the present and future. The portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the human experience in all its complexity. It invites us to reflect on the nature of beauty, identity, and the relationships that shape our lives. As we admire this masterpiece, we are reminded of the cultural richness of early 20th-century Vienna and the profound impact that such artistic expressions have on our understanding of love, desire, and the essence of being.
Adele Bloch-Bauer
By Eric Buechel
In a world of gold and grace, Where art and beauty intertwine, Adele Bloch-Bauer took her place, A muse, a spirit, so divine. With a gaze that pierces through the veil, Her portrait gleams, a tale untold, In Klimt's embrace, she shall not pale, A testament in hues of gold. Amidst the whispers of Vienna's night, She danced in elegance and pride, A life adorned with passion's light, Yet shadows lingered, deep inside. Her laughter echoed in the halls, A testament to love and loss, In gilded frames, her memory calls, A legacy that bears the cross. Though time may fade and art may shift, Her spirit lingers, bold and bright, Adele Bloch-Bauer, a timeless gift, In every brushstroke, she ignites.
Eric Buechel Fine Art
P. O. Box 277
Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578
931-881-7806,
Comments