An Eye for Art

Starred review from August 15, 2013
Ingenious and wonderfully inviting, this is a well-conceived and beautifully produced compilation of brief biographies and selective insights into the lives and works of over 40 artists. Anchored in the collection of the renowned National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), it is drawn from the NGA's long-running series of lively four-page family-education publications, the NGAkids Quarterly. The overviews span art movements, methods and media from the 13th through the 21st centuries. The carefully constructed discussion starters are organized into seven broad sections: nature, places, portraits, stories, everyday life, questioning tradition and playing with space. Generously illustrated with hundreds of full-color reproductions from the National Gallery's collection, these minilessons are bolstered by relevant and doable activities that respond to the diverse artists' works and techniques. An inclusive, superb handbook for art educators and art historians, this has strong appeal for parents and children seeking a fresh approach to engaging with the art on museum walls. Though the publisher suggests that this information-rich collection is best for ages 7 to 12, the book's sophisticated design and cunning mix of accessibility and complexity enlarge the audience to grade schoolers through seniors. Consider this a must-have art resource for all ages. (table of contents, timeline of artists) (Nonfiction. 7 & up)

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August 1, 2013

Gr 5 Up-An introduction to the works collected in the National Gallery of Art. More than 50 great artists are highlighted, from the 13th to the 21st centuries. The artists and their works and techniques are helpfully arranged stylistically in categories that include "Studying Nature," "Observing Everyday Life," "Exploring Places," and "Telling Stories." Through graceful, illuminating prose, readers learn how some of the most masterful artists (mostly European and American) the world has ever known created their art and developed their styles; some minorities and women are included. For each master, full-color reproductions of representative works are presented, along with enlightening quotes; occasionally, details of the artworks get lost in the gutters. For each artist, an "Explore More" feature invites readers to make their own art by replicating the masters' techniques and/or to engage in a variety of meaningful creative thinking and writing activities. This fine resource allows readers to develop an understanding and appreciation of fine art. It should have broad appeal for general audiences.-Carol Goldman, Queens Library, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013
Grades 8-12 This handsome volume presents notable artists through beautifully reproduced artworks, mainly European and American paintings but also sculptures, collages, and photomontages. Drawn chiefly from the collections of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, the works are by both famous and relatively unknown artists. Each article opens with a full-page reproduction of an artwork or, more often, an enlarged detail from it, followed by several pages of small-print text and small reproductions of that work, other works by the artist, and related images, such as archival photos. The final page of the article sometimes includes detailed comments on a particular piece by the artist or a contemporary, or it might suggest a related creative activity. The content of each article is drawn from a regular feature of the museum's family quarterly publication, Inside Scoop. There is no index, but an appended time line of artists includes page numbers. Intelligent, well researched, and clearly written, the commentary is intended for teens or adults working with children. A pleasure for art-minded browsers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)