Monday, January 16, 2012

Klimt Inspired Nail Art Tutorial



As easily one of the most recognisable works of art, I have always been in love with Gustav Klimt's portrait, The Kiss. Though it was considered 'pornographic' in it's day, true story, I've always thought that there's real passion in this particular portrait.

On a recent trip to the Christmas markets in Vienna with my Sister this Austrian's artwork was everywhere and rightfully so. That's when the idea to incorporate it into simple nail art came about. It's just taken me a while to figure out how to make it simple and still hold the beautiful effect.

Your choice of polish can vary but do try to have one of each to hold true to the portrait

My choice of colours and equipment for this design are as minimal as possible. You can see there my highly technical tools of a hair clip/bobby pin and toothpick. oh & the pen I picked up for blog notes. I love it. 



After my base coat I applied two coats of this gold, number 855 from Inglot. A bright yellow would work too but I felt the gold suited the gilded portrait better.



Next you'll want several alternating black & white lines. They don't have to be perfect, that gives the design a much more realistic feel. I used Kiss Nail Art Pens in black & white.





Next up we use the hair pin to place the largest dots in random spaces. I started with Barry Ms Blueberry and touched it to the kitchen towel to then apply large cerise pink dots in Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus. Again these don't need to be perfectly placed. 






Using the alternate, smaller side of the hair pin we then place smaller dots on top of the larger. These can be either navy or white, depending on taste. I used OPIs Russian Navy. 


I always find working from a square of foil and dotting onto the kitchen towel cleaner &  more effective




Be sure that there is three alternating colours for each circle, that's what gives this design the stand out effect. Ideally they should be placed randomly, I think that's what I enjoyed most about this design. The margin for error!

A quick swish of your favourite topcoat and we're done. Probably the easiest but most eye catching nail art design I've seen*.

Will you be giving this one a shot? I'd love to see your pictures if so.


*shameless self horn tooting


21 comments:

Chantelle Thomas said...

I love that inglot polish! x

Katherine said...

That's stunning!! I would never have the patience for this though!!

Lauren - Scrapbook Blog said...

Wow! you should submit this to F*ck yeah nail art!
I love it!

Dawniepants said...

Actually that is really bloody impressive! it's one thing when people do it on falsies and then apply them but you did the art onto your nails freehand, that is fabulous! well done!

dp
x

Girlwiththeskew-earring said...

This is my Favourite Klimt painting. And I think this is my favourite nail art that you have done... I need to see if I have what I need to do this in my stash.

Bravo Lady, Bravo!

cornflakegirl said...

Love it.

JenKen74 said...

stunning!

Lovely Girlie Bits said...

Now I can comment, bloody ancient HSE computer wot half loads everyfing.

Anyway, that is feckin amazing, and as I said to toi on Twitter, look at you being all artistical! Can't wait to see what else you have in store for us :)

Sue Jordan said...

Thanks, Gals, really appreciate the comments. Can't believe it turned out so well mahself! :)

Kezia said...

What is that STUNNING GOSH nail varnish?? It's Amazing!

Sue Jordan said...

Hi Kezia!
It's called Ocean (540). Sorry, it's the only one I didn't mention. It's a beautiful teal green/blue duochrome with silver micro glitter. Beautiful on :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful .. Really brill. I love the pics (by the way how many hand do you have - great multi tasking)

Unknown said...

That is absolutely gorgeous!! I'm a huge fan of Klimt so will definitely put this on my list to try - looks really beautiful!


www.freshlookbeautyblog.com

Unknown said...

Finally a nail art inspired by real art, love Klimt and the nails!:) xx

Nurse Fancy Pants said...

Hi! New to your blog and just saw this now. I absolutely love it!! Klimt is one of my favourite artists and I think youve captured The Kiss so well in your design! Beautiful!

Sue Jordan said...

Hi CeeCee, welcome along & Thanks so much, that's really appreciated :)

fiona said...

Gawjus, and good to see you don't need all the posh tools to get the look done properly.

Strawberry Blonde Beauty said...

Well done you clever young lady!!

Nic x

Anonymous said...

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You can find the post under the Nail Art section, we would love your feedback.

http://www.diamonddesignsuniforms.co.uk/resources/nailresourceguide.html

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Anonymous said...

This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader
amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Wonderful job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you
presented it. Too cool!

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