The perfect introduction to the world of art, this comprehensive yet easy to understand text is ideal for readers of any age who want to know more about art appreciation.

The Art Book for Children (Book 2) (Phaidon, 2007) builds and expands on the excellent foundation provided by the The Art Book for Children, (Phaidon, 2005). These books provide a broad overview of artistic styles and mediums, expanding the concept and definition of “art” in young minds.

A Variety of Artistic Styles and Expression

The selection of artworks featured in The Art Book for Children is diverse, covering a range of styles, formats and presentations. With artworks dating from 1414 to 1990, readers are invited to explore portraits, paintings, photos and sculpture styles.

Within each medium, a variety of formats is presented. For example, sculpture styles range from Henry Moore’s majestic 1.64m high bronze sculpture King and Queen, positioned on a hillside overlooking the Scottish countryside, to Felix Gonzalez-Torres whimsical wrapped sweets tribute to his friend Ross.

Thinking About Art

The Art Book for Children (Book 2) provides readers with a guide to the first steps in examining and thinking about art. Aimed at providing an introduction to art for children, the book is ideal for anyone who would like to know more about appreciating art in its many forms.

The first person text by Amanda Renshaw reads like a personal tutor in art appreciation. Providing not only information about the style, artist and techniques, each featured artwork is accompanied by questions to prompt the reader to think more deeply about the artist’s motivation and inspiration. Readers are encouraged to consider the feelings that the painting evokes in them and the impressions that it gives.

When considering John William Waterhouse’s famous The Lady of Shalott, the text offers background to the sad legend of the woman in the painting and then asks readers to consider how Waterhouse has created such a sad and gloomy atmosphere to reflect the Lady’s isolated and lonely life.

An Introduction to Art Suitable for All Ages

Although written for children, The Art Book for Children (Book 2) is ideal for readers of any age looking for a basic introduction to art appreciation. The text is not over simplified, but rather merely makes no assumptions about prior knowledge of art history and/or techniques.

Both Art Book for Children books are well suited as a home school art reference or for use in a primary school-aged classroom. They are the perfect gift for children interested in art.

Artworks

Saint Jerome in his Study – Antonello da Messina

Accumulation of Coffeepots; Permanent Press; O’Clock; Household Rubbish in Glass Box; Matchbox – Arman

The Eclipse; Boulevard de Strasbourg; Tuileries; The Lampshade Seller; Le Dôme; 91, rue de Turenne – Atget

Statue of Sleeping Ariadne; Thomas William Coke – Batoni

Casserole and Closed Mussels – Broodthaers

The Merode Altarpiece – Campin and Assistant

The Persistence of Memory – Dali

Self-Portrait at 28, Self-Portrait at 13, Self-Portrait at 26, Self-Portrait at 22 – Dürer

The Swing – Fragonard

Mr and Mrs Andrews – Gainsborough

Untitled – Gonzalez-Torres

Interior with a Girl at the Clavier – Hammershoi

A Bigger Splash – Hockney

Snap the Whip – Homer

Composition No. VII, 1913 – Kandinsky

The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds – La Tour

The Builders – Léger

Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry – Limbourg Brothers

The Betrayal of Images; The Human Condition; Not to be Reproduced – Magritte

Attic Series III – Mangold

The Dinner Table (Harmony in Red) – Matisse

At the Race-Track – Metzinger

King and Queen – Moore

The Cradle – Morisot

The School of Athens – Raphael

Betty; Abstract Painting (no. 794-1) – Richter

A Sunday on la Grande Jatte – Seurat

The Christening Feast – Steen

Various Cakes – Theibaud

The Lady of Shalott - Waterhouse

The Art Book for Children (Book 2), published by Phaidon Press, distributed by Bookwise International, RRP A$29.95. Available now in good bookstores.