A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO ART by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Meredith Hamilton

 

I was thrilled to be a stop along a blog tour for A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO ART by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Meredith Hamilton. Not only did I get to read a fantastic new book, but also got to ask the author some questions.

If you leave a comment, you will be entered to win a copy of A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO ART. It is definitely a book you'll want to own. 

Many thanks to Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc. for this opportunity and to Heather Alexander for taking the time to answer a few questions. This book is one in a series of "Introduction" books for kids.

REVIEW:

There is so much to say about A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO ART: THE WORLD’S GREATEST PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES.

The book starts off by describing where art began, and then gives an overview of art around the world. The featured artists start in the 1380s with the Limbourg Brothers and end in 1987 with Andy Warhol. We see Renaissance, Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract art and so much more. Do you know what Pointillism is? There's an Art Timeline on the last page, too.

A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO ART goes in chronological order covering both periods of time and genres. Artists from different countries are highlighted including France, Japan, United States, and the Netherlands.

Each painter or sculptor has a two page spread with something personal about them, as well as information about their art – how they painted or sculpted. Depending on what is described for each artist, whether it’s about color, brush stroke, or a specific genre, fun projects for kids (and adults!) are listed with each artist. Plus there are notes placed around the artwork as examples.

True to its title, this is a great book to introduce anyone to many artists and art styles. If you are intrigued by a particular artist, style or period, you can then research it more yourself. Now I know why Toulouse-Lautrec was short. And why Munch painted The Scream. I was engaged in the descriptions of all the artists and their work and learned about so many different things. The section on color alone is captivating.

The entire book is entertaining, interesting, fascinating and informative. Between the artists’ sections are spreads on color, perspective, museums and other places you can view art.

Also listed is which museum the art is being exhibited. If you live in or near those cities or taking a trip, it would be a highlight to stop and see the actual artwork on display.

It looks like a coffee table book, but the fact that it’s so engaging will bring you back for multiple readings, or to look up a specific artist or genre when desired. A great resource as well as a great read.

INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER ALEXANDER:

Q: How long did the research take?

A: This book was done fast but intensely. I basically took an entire summer to research and outline. Many beautiful days were spent deep inside one library or another. Even in our technological age, I still use libraries for a lot of my research.

Q: Do you have a favorite artist that had to be included or did you find one while writing the book?

A: I always find that "favorite" question to be a tricky one. Just like with authors and movies, I have a different favorite depending on the day and my mood. However, I've always loved Klimt's golden mosaics in "The Kiss" and Renoir’s beautiful slices of life. While working on the book, I discovered the power of Jacob Lawrence and my 14-year-old daughter became a fan of Goya. It's kind of cool to have your teenage daughter beg for her own book on Goya!

Q: Will there be a modern art book? Would it be harder to choose the artists?

A: I don't know if there will be a modern art book--I hope so! In some ways, it may be easier to choose those artists. In this book I was forced to select only a few artists from centuries and centuries of talents. If I'd had my way, this book would have been three times as long!

Q: Was there a favorite craft/project from the book that kids had the most fun with?

A: The paint-under-the table-like Michelangelo project is one of my favorites. Who doesn't love a little upside-down art?  Some of the older kids in my neighborhood did amazing colorful Tissue Paper Faces in the style of Klee.