To most of us, modern art is a mystery. I admit freely that most of the abstract modern art that I have been exposed to does not move me emotionally. I find myself trying to “understand” it and make sense of it but there is very little to understand about art like this.
I really have to go out on a limb here and say that I am not the only one left scratching their head over this sort of painting. Granted not all modern art is this expressionistic. If you want to prepare you children for a museum visit where you know you will be seeing some modern art, I have a suggestion.
Painting On One Page, Questions and Background on the Other
Come Look With Me: Exploring Modern Art by Jessica Noelani Wright is just one book in a whole series of really great children’s art books. Each two page spread has one page with a color art print and one page with questions to use to discuss what you are looking at as well as background information about the artist and the artwork. Other artists presented in this book are Grant Wood, Georgia O”Keeffe, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Andy Warhol.
Perhaps you wish to expose your young children to paintings and artists but don’t know where to begin. You might be interested in checking out more in the Come Look With Me book series. Our favorite is Come Look With Me: Animals in Art.
Come Look With Me! Animals in Art by Gladys S. Blizzard is a book we have enjoyed tremendously over the years. This is a great art appreciation book for young ones, having text that goes along with the prints and questions so you can discuss each painting with your child. Some artists included in this book are Edward Hicks, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and even some prehistoric art.
My son was inspired to draw his own cat after reading the book. I always encourage my boys to draw something from the art appreciation books that we read. In a way it is copying, but I think imitating an artist’s style helps them learn to solve their own drawing or painting problems. Art is just a way of solving problems. You learn to make things look real, you learn perspective, you learn balance, you learn design, and so much more when you are drawing or painting.
Simple but effective. As the parent, you don’t have to be the expert.You can use these books one at a time, one painting at a time to introduce in a casual and enjoyable way the delight in great art. Some paintings you will really love and some you will not at all. That is the beauty of art, there are no right or wrong answers.
Paintings Large Enough to See Details
The books in this series have artwork large enough for you to really see the details. The book could be displayed very easily as part of your picture study. There are just enough questions for each painting to get your child really looking at and observing the artwork presented. Even though these books are fairly short, you could take the featured artists and expand your study by viewing more of their paintings online before moving on to a new artist.
Check your local library before purchasing any books in this series since you may find that you can borrow these popular books instead of purchasing them. I love them so much that I have quite a collection on our art shelf.
Look for these additional titles:
Enjoying Art With Children -Manet, Renoir, Picasso, and more
World of Play -Bruegel, Homer, Rivera, and more
Exploring Landscape Art with Children -Van Gogh, Roussseau, Bierstadt, and more
The Artist at Work -Turner, Millet, Monet, Degas, and more
American Indian Art -Native American artwork including paintings, beadwork, dolls, and other art objects
Art in Early America -Peale, Catlin, Heade, Audubon, and more
This series of art books can be used as part of your picture study plans, art appreciation plans, or just as an enjoyable way to share art with your children.
Written by Barb-Harmony Art mom. She also blogs at http://harmonyartmom.blogspot.com and her business is found at http://www.harmonyfinearts.com. I would love for you to join us for the Outdoor Hour Challenges: http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com.
