Oxford First Book of Art

This is a really excellent reference book introducing children to the works of a wide range of artists in an informative way which also encourages them to get involved with the artwork. The book takes themes such as 'Figures', 'Animals', 'Seasons' for each spread and asks the reader to look closer at the artwork of up to three artists on each theme, enabling comparisons to be made across different periods and cultures. The theme of 'Faces' examines Paul Klee's 'Senecio' made up of many geometric shapes, a three faced mask made by the Ekoi people of Nigeria and 'Portrait of a Lady in Yellow' by the fifteenth-century artist, Alesso Baldovinetti. Children are asked to consider the composition of paintings showing people relaxing and to appreciate the skill of creating movement in a painting by the Portuguese artist, Paula Rego. Her work is included in the theme 'Dance'. The reader is introduced to the energy generated through Van Gogh's masterly brushstrokes in 'The Starry Night' with its magnificent colour, texture and pattern. Van Gogh's use of 'Light and Shade' is contrasted with that of Turner in 'The Fighting Temeraire' and again with that demonstrated by Japanese artist, Shunkosai Hokuei. An Art Activity suggested for every theme demonstrates how children can apply ideas they have been studying in their own art. After looking at Gustav Klimt's 'Expectation' it is suggested that children might make a mosaic collage. The glowing 'Autumn Leaves' by Millais is the stimulation for an art activity involving the mixing of warm colours. The author is the Head of Education at Dulwich Picture Gallery, London.