Fine Art Adventures: 36 Creative, Hands-On Projects Inspired by Classic Masterpieces - Softcover

Pitamic, Maja; Laidlaw, Jill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0912777044 ISBN 13: 9780912777047

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, 2017

Synopsis

Classic masterpieces are bold, fascinating, and sometimes shocking—in other words, perfect for creative children who love to be inspired. Fine Art Adventures introduces young artists, ages 6 and up, to key masterpieces and interesting techniques, then lets them loose. Children will: create a Pointillist artwork with paints and a toothbrush, work with plaster to recreate a cave painting, use cardboard and coat hangers to design a mobile sculpture, build a dramatic jungle scene inside an old shoebox, and many more engaging, hands-on projects.

Authors and educators Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw also explore the stories and meanings behind 18 well-known classic masterpieces from art history as inspiration for these kid-tested, exciting, and creative projects. No prior knowledge of art is required—just enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to discover.

About this title

About the Author

Maja Pitamic is the coauthor of Modern Art Adventures and Three-Dimensional Art Adventures. She has over 20 years’ experience teaching young children, and holds degrees in art history and Montessori teacher training. Jill Laidlaw has been writing and editing children’s and adult nonfiction since 1990, including Modern Art Adventures and Three-Dimensional Art Adventures. She has a degree in art history from the University of St. Andrews.

Reviews

Gr 3 Up—This title introduces art masterpieces that encourage creativity and self-expression through hands-on projects. These activities aim to bring adults and children together using art as a conversation starter, followed by encouraging quality time and skill building with a project. Divided into eight chapters that focus on color, black-and-white, shape, animals, portraits, landscape, myths and legends, and light and shade, 36 exercises explore the qualities represented in 18 different works of art. Each chapter opens with the story behind the featured piece. Short artist's biographies, a glossary, notes on materials, and an index are also included. A mosaic dragon and an accordion-style story book are highlights under the "Myth and Legends" heading, while Rousseau's painting of a surprised tiger in the jungle inspires a diorama and a 3-D collage sure to excite animal lovers. Many of these are not quick afternoon projects; they require steady, concentrated effort in order to deliver a thoughtful product. The book is suggested for children ages six to eight, but the finished results often show a delicate hand with practiced motor control. This may be discouraging for some children. Many of these entries are ambitious and will need adult supervision, but they are also tactile and open to experimentation, which younger children will enjoy. VERDICT A general addition to crafting collections, especially where art history is popular.—Jessica Cline, New York Public Library

Edition details

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0912777044
• ISBN 13: 9780912777047
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144