Book Review: The Art Book for Children (Book 2)
An Art Reference Book to Introduce Children to Great Artworks
May 13, 2008
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.
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