How a Surprising Connection to Gustav Klimt Changed the Way I See My Own Art
"The Kiss" Gustav Klimt
What I Discovered About My Art After Being Compared to Gustav Klimt
When I first embarked on my art journey in 2020, I didn’t know much about Gustav Klimt. So, I didn’t think much of it when people began comparing my art to his. It first happened after my artwork was selected to appear in several exhibits.
To be frank, as someone who pours her soul into every stroke of the brush, I was nervous about being compared to another artist - be they contemporary or an old Master. My art is an authentic expression of what’s inside me, my emotions, my experiences, and my hopes. Could it still stand on its own if viewers kept perceiving someone else’s influence in it?
This question lingered, and it wasn’t until I had heard the comparison several times that I decided to dive headfirst into the world of Gustav Klimt, both his life and his works. What I found humbled me deeply.
Floral Art by Gustav Klimt
Night Washed Blooms by Manda Marble
Discovering Klimt: An Intimidating Realization
Klimt was an Austrian Symbolist painter, celebrated for his exploration of sensuality, the female form, and the natural world. His most famous works, such as The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, are iconic for their use of gold leaf, intricate patterns, and an interplay between naturalistic figures and abstract, ornate backgrounds.
Reading about Klimt's life and seeing the depth of his artistry made me feel almost embarrassed by the comparison. Here was a master of symbolism and ornamentation, someone who carved out a space for himself in the art world unlike anyone else. How could anyone see my work any where near as magnificent as his?
But as I continued to reflect on this, I began to understand that the comparison wasn’t necessarily about technique. Perhaps what viewers were seeing wasn’t a conscious replication but something deeper—something in how we both see and respond to the world around us.
The Secret Portal by Manda Marble
A Personal Journey of Artistic Reflection
The swirling lines, the attention to delicate details, the dreamlike scene —they weren’t necessarily imitating Klimt, but perhaps both of us, in our own ways, were reaching for a similar understanding of the world. This realization was freeing. Rather than being afraid of the comparison, I began to embrace it, looking for the deeper similarities that connected our work.
Here are some aspects where I now understand our artistic visions intersect.
Pear Tree - Gustav Klimt
Ornamental and Ethereal Elements
I remember vividly when I began to place swirling lines and intricate patterns into my art. It was actually when I was 12 years old. I used to draw portraits, but I would also create these intricate little abstract works with swirls and line work — this all has made it into my present-day work. There was something almost meditative about it that I felt — even as a child. The way the pen glided across the paper, forming shapes that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Little did I know at the time, this was a hallmark of Klimt’s style as well. Klimt was known for his use of elaborate decorative elements—gold leaf, geometric shapes, and swirling designs that give his works a magical, almost otherworldly quality.
For me, it wasn’t about decoration for the sake of beauty. These swirling patterns are like visual whispers, inviting the viewer to linger, to get lost in the flow of the design. I think this is why people make the connection between Klimt’s work and mine—there’s a shared intention of creating art to invite careful contemplation and fascination with the unseen energy of the world.
Patient Traveler by Manda Marble
Use of Nature and Symbolism
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me. Growing up, I spent hours in the garden, in love with the delicate beauty of flowers and the quiet majesty of the moon. These elements have naturally found their way into my art, whether in the form of butterflies, trees, or celestial symbols.
Similarly, Klimt often wove nature into his works, particularly his use of the Tree of Life motif and organic shapes. He didn’t just depict nature; he infused it with symbolic meaning. I think this is one area where our art truly aligns. In my work, nature isn’t just a background or a pretty element; it’s a symbol of growth, transformation, and connection to the cosmos.
Tree of LIfe - Gustav Klimt
Color Palette and Emotional Depth
Klimt is often associated with his lavish use of gold, but his color palette also includes deep, rich tones—reds, blues, and earthy shades that give his work an emotional depth. I’ve always been drawn to deep blues, which for me symbolize calm, introspection, and the vastness of the universe. My color choices are intuitive, guided by the emotions I’m trying to convey rather than a strict plan.
I believe this is another point of connection between Klimt and me. Our use of color isn’t just aesthetic; it’s emotional. It’s meant to draw the viewer into the piece and invite them to feel something, to slow down and experience the mood of the artwork.
Lady in Blue - Gustav Klimt
The Silent Dance of Living Light by Manda Marble
Mysticism and Dreamlike Qualities
One thing I’ve always loved about Klimt’s work is its dreamlike quality. His figures often seem suspended between worlds, blending reality with imagination. I hadn’t realized it until recently, but this is something I strive for in my own work as well.
My work too, seem to exist in a space that isn’t entirely of this world. There’s a mystical quality to them, as though they are part of a larger, unseen universe. This is where I feel the deepest connection with Klimt’s work—both of us are trying to capture something beyond the physical, something that can’t be fully explained, only felt.
Conclusion
In the end, while our techniques may differ, I now see that the comparison to Klimt isn’t about imitation. It’s about a shared vision—a way of seeing the world that’s rich with symbolism, emotion, and a touch of mysticism. Both Klimt and I reach for something more than what’s in front of us, something timeless, something that speaks to the soul.
You can learn more about me and my work on my website at www.MandaMarble.com for more.
