The starkness of a hand-drawn line—with its potential for lyrical beauty—is essential to Gustav Klimt's art. Through line, Klimt sought to convey the essence of the human form, and the nature of human existence. As an artist he wanted to explore universal emotions like suffering, hope and love; and it was through the daily practice of life-drawing that he cultivated his ideas. Learn more about Klimt's artistic process in this video.