dk books

Customer Review:

Review by: KNorman, 30 June 2011

'My Art Book gives a hands on introduction to art - focusing on creating your own art in different media by examining the work of very different artists. It could either stand alone as a gentle introduction for younger children or would make a great companion to an art history book. The hands on approach involves a double spread devoted to a single artist or in some cases a style, featuring a closer look at one of their works. Artists range from the iconic Van Gogh, through tribal masks, to the less well known Kenojuak Ashevak. These are arranged chronologically. This is followed by pages devoted to creating your own masterpiece. Each artist has been chosen to demonstrate a different technique - ranging from different ways to use paint through to clay or food sculpture. The clearly photographed and written step-by-step instructions guide you through making your own piece of art influenced by that artist. Some chapters then include ideas of other variations to try out. Some of the ideas in this book are fairly straightforward such as painting a night sky using swirls of paint in the style of Van Gogh, or dot painting a rock. Others require a little more preparation and more unusual materials. Particularly intriguing is the use of berries, soil, lard, chalk charcoal and ash or leather and stone for the cave painting. As the first technique this feels a little intimidating to prepare, but flicking through the book reveals ideas using more easily prepared and ready to hand materials. The Diego Rivera inspired mosaic techniques demonstrate not only tile mosaic, pebble mosaic, but also the technically simpler and more accessible paper mosaic. So although the book is chronological as an art history book, I would recommend dipping in to try simpler techniques first. My Art Book doesn''t stand alone as an art history or appreciation book, but it does bring something really refreshing to a child''s experience of art. It crosses the boundaries between art history and making your own works of art, in a way that could be used with very young children for the simpler techniques, through to providing new ideas for the more experienced young artist.'

Customer Review:

Review by: Suzanne, 25 June 2011

'This book is beautiful, fascinating and full of wonderful ideas. It looks at a variety of artwork, all well-chosen to illustrate just how diverse ''art'' is and covering not just painting but sculptures, collage, block-printing, craft and mosaics. Each section starts with a double page looking in detail at a masterpiece and it''s creator. My daughter is 6 and found these pages really interesting. She loved learning about the different artists and their techniques. For each artist there are art projects so that you can have a go at creating your own masterpieces at home. With the clear, detailed desciptions and gorgeous illustrations that DK are famous for, these projects are easy to follow and great fun. My Art Book has given us lots of ideas and I know we''ll have fun together trying out all the ideas and techniques shown in the book. Perfect for inspiring little artists!'

Customer Review:

Review by: Reuben Levine and his Mum, 22 June 2011

'This book is great for a child to look at with a willing and crafty adult. My 5 year old son found each painting, close up and accompanying craft idea interesting, and was immediately inspired to try his hand at a paper mosaic. I have no doubt we will be enjoying this book for YEARS to come!'