Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters

145 Pages·2008·20.5 MB·English

by  MaryAnn F. Kohl

Great Words from Great People
Just seeing this book is a thrill.It shows art at Great American Artists for Kidsis an How refreshing! Not only is the visual design The Morse Museum of American Art is very
its fullest and liveliest and brings out and inspiration to those with no art history crisp and well-conceived,the flow of images pleased that Tiffany has been included in this
inspires the would-be artist in all of us! The experience as well as seasoned educators and text is meaningful on many levels.I think children’s creative art activity book as one of
spirit of creativity streams off its pages.What a looking for a new touch on open-ended art students and teachers will respond with America’s great artists.Great American
gift the authors have given student and lessons for kids of all abilities.Every library, smiles! Great American Artists for Kids Artists for Kidswill provide wonderful
teacher,child and adult alike,and indeed art home,school,and museum will find it a demonstrates how important the arts can be opportunities for children to experience not
itself.Looking at the book makes me want to valuable resource.Follow history while exploring in the lives of all children–a fact some of our only Tiffany’s techniques,but also the styles of
rush into the studio and paint! hands-on art.The value of owning this book? politicians have long forgotten.This book other great American artists.
Joseph Raffael Priceless! inspires me–and I’m turning 60 this year! Ava Maxwell
American artist Diane Keen Ruth V.Roberts The Charles Hosmer Morse
K-12 Art Educator Indianapolis Museum of Art Museum of American Art
Winter Park,Florida
Among many other emphases,Great
Art is an essential element in the education of Great American Artists for Kids is a
American Artists for Kids focuses children
children,and this full-color book provides the wonderful resource for teachers and parents I have taught for over 23 years and have
on the delight of putting one color directly next
inspiration that every teacher or parent needs who want to introduce their children to great never seen such a comprehensive,all-
to or on top of another color,as opposed to
to encourage young artists to create in a art.This book will keep kids of all ages encompassing,important andfun resource for
filling in black outlines which normally occur in
personal way.The range of American artists interested in creative art as they explore the children and parents like Great American
conventional coloring books.
and techniques covered in Great American art techniques of great American masters. Artists for Kids–it is a remarkable
Wolf Kahn
Artists for Kidsprovides all the information What a find! masterpiece and a “must-have!”It should be
New York,NY
needed to begin creating art today.This book Kay M.Albrecht,Ph.D. required for aspiring art teachers and history
American artist
is a treasure! Author and Early Childhood majors in every college around the world.
Dr.Rebecca Isbell Specialist,Innovations in Early Faye Barber-Floyd
As a Museum Curator of Education who Director of the Center of Childhood Education Art Teacher,Wisconsin
believes in making art,art history and artists Excellence in Early Childhood
come alive,it is rare to find such an amazing Learning and Development, Great American Artists for Kids is an The arts,whether performing or visual,are
resource.Everything about Great American East Tennessee State University outstanding contribution to encouraging essential to a child’s learning process.Great
Artists for Kidsis a fun and very creative creative art experiences for young children. American Artists for Kidsnot only
educational experience.I think this book is Great American Artists for Kids is ideal for How exciting for children to have the introduces the American Masters to children,it
something every person,young and old,who home-schoolers who want a solid art opportunity to be introduced to so many great also makes connections by including their
values and is interested in art and creativity foundation with American art appreciation in American artists! This is just the book to do it, works.Artistic production is very subjective.Too
must have.I will be using this book for one single colorful swoop.The activities are with full color images right at the children’s often viewers do not understand what it is
inspiration. unique,clear,and use accessible materials.I fingertips.A treasure! they are seeing.This bookwill help nurture
Lucy Perera-Adams especially like that it takes very young artists Dr.Robert Rockwell,Former young viewers to new ways of seeing and
Curator of Education into account.I couldn’t ask for a better Director of Early Childhood Education, thinking.Thank you for sharing this wonderful
Harwood Museum of Art / Taos homeschooling book for providing creative art. professor emeritus/ SIU-Edwardsville, book with me.
Brandy Bergenstock author of Mudpies to Magnetsand Patricia Relay,Administrator
Thank you for the opportunity to view your Homeschool Educator,Virginia Science Adventures:Nature Activities Washington Art Consortium
new book,Great American Artists for Kids. for the Young Bellingham,Washington
What a wonderful learning tool for children
and adults alike.Very well done!
Carrie Rodamaker,
Programs Director,
Frank LloydWright /
Taliesin Preservation Inc.
Spring Green,Wisconsin
Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc.
BRIGHT IDEAS
FOR LEARNING
Credits
Children’s Illustration Editor....................Rebecca Van Slyke Bright Ring Publishing,Inc.
Graphic Production....................................Dorothy Tjoelker–Worthen PO Box 31338 • Bellingham,WA 98228–3338
Cover Design and Production.................MaryAnn Kohl,Michael Kohl,Jacque Peterson 800–480–4278 • www.brightring.com
Image Production.......................................Jacque Peterson
Cover Art by Children ............................ Ivan–American Flag,RitaBespalova–RedCat,
ShannonBaker–DivingTurtle,Nathan Johnston–Mountain Lake,
RebekahButler–Bean ‘n Bug Soup,FrancescaMartinelli–GothicFamily,Ellie–Painting,Sitting on Rock
ISBN-10:0-935607-005
ISBN-13:978-0935607000
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:2007908329
© Copyright 2008 MaryAnn F.Kohl and KimSolga
All rights reserved.No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electric or mechanical,including photocopying
or Internet distribution,without the written permission of the publisher.Children’s artworks are copyright protected and are included in this copyright
notice.Teachers may photocopy pages for classroom use but not for multiple distribution including not for workshops,newsletters,or internet distribution.
See contact information for permissions.
First Printing,July 2008 –Printed in Korea
Disclaimer:The publisher,Bright Ring Publishing,Inc.,and the co-authors,MaryAnn Kohl and Kim Solga,affirm that children must be supervised by an
adult at all times while involved in the art activities found in GREATAMERICANARTISTSFORKIDS.Proper use of art materials must be strictly followed at all
times.It is crucial that caution be observed at all times and that the abilities of children involved be assessed according to appropriateness or
developmental level to safely engage in activities from GREATAMERICANARTISTSFORKIDS.The publisher and the authors assume no responsibility or
liability whatsoever for activitites in this book,nor for adult supervision,nor for any use of art materials by or with children.
Publisher’s Cataloging–in–Publication
Kohl, MaryAnn F.
Great american artists for kids: hands–on art experiences in the styles of great american masters / MaryAnn F. Kohl,
Kim Solga; illustrations, Rebecca Van Slyke.
p. cm. –– (Bright ideas for learning; 8)
includes indexes
LCCN 2007908329
ISBN-13: 978-0935607000
SUMMARY: Approximately 75 visual artists, from colonial times to the present, are featured in this collective biography,
which also includes instructions for art projects which correspond to each artist’s style or technique.
1. Artists – Biography – Juvenile literature. 2. Art – Technique – Juvenile literature. 3. Study and teaching (Elementary––
Activity programs––United States. 4. Creative activities and seatwork. I. Solga, Kim. II. Title. III. Series. Kohl,
MaryAnn F., Bright ideas for learning
709.2’2’024054
Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc.
Dedication and Appreciation
Jennifer Jo Martens Stickney
September 30,1971–September 8,2007
JJ brightened the life of every person who ever met her.
There will be no forgetting this beautiful woman – her smile,
her positive outlook,and her joy for life.
This book – full of color and joyful creativity and fun – is for JJ.
Photograph by Jon Stickney
Courtesy of Jon Stickney and Patrick Martens
Words of Appreciation
Special thanks and deepest appreciation go to the all the children,artists,museums,teachers,friends and co-workers who enthusiastically
joined in and made Great American Artists for Kidspossible. Each of you is an important part of this book.Thank you,thank you.
• All the young artists who enthusiastically tested and perfected activities • Jacque Peterson for color production and cover work,and for
and shared their wonderful creations.Special thanks to Mrs.Van Slyke’s bringing lavender.
second grade class at Bernice Vosbeck Elementary School,Lynden, • Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz with ARS and Kim Tishler with VAGA
Washington,who worked side-by-side with the authors creating who worked cheerfully to make numerous important art image
artwork,meeting deadlines,and supplying endless enthusiasm.This permissions successful.
book would not exist without each of you! Names of all young artists
• Candy Ford,newly “retired” grade two teacher and friend,for
with page numbers of art images can be found on pp.134-135.
keeping permissions and credits organized between travels to
• Artists,museums,galleries,foundations and estates who saw their way sunny places.
to graciously and generously share art images with young artists
• Carol Sabbeth,author of Monet and the Impressionists for Kids,for
through this book.
generously sharing art-author experiences,and putting us on the
• Michael Kohl,for support through several computer crashes,long work right track to finding permissions for art images.
days,great ideas for art activities and cover,and for starting mornings
• Stephanie Roselli,The GrammarGeek,for superior proofing skills
with muffins and tea.
and gentle reminders about commas,semi-colons,and italics.
• Ned Harkness and Ariana Moulton,ultra-creative teachers at Lincoln
• Friends and co-workers Kathy Charner,Cathy Calliotte,Leah
Park Elementary School,Chicago,for organizing the Grant WoodArt
Curry-Rood,and Mark Voigt for their unfailing support now,in the
Focus.Thanks to all of their students,too!
past,and forevermore.
• Dorothy Tjoelker-Worthen for page layout expertise and for another
• Thanks once more to the great American artists who participated
delightful Bright Ring book experience.
so generously to make this book a success.
5
Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc. Dedication & Appreciation
Introduction
Great American Artists for Kids offers children Great American Artists for Kids is a book of
hands-on activities to explore the styles and exploration.Young children are more often interested
techniques of America’s greatest artists,from colonial in the process of art than iin their finished product.
times to the present day.Each art process focuses on They may or may not show interest in the related art
one style and one artist.A brief biography and history or art appreciation.But they will be soaking
portrait of each artist adds depth and interest to the up the information! Many will be curious and eager to
art project.An option for very young children is know more about an artist’s life,what the artist’s
offered for most activities.All young artists will create world was like,and how it influenced or inspired the
their own artwork using a technique or material that artist’s style.The information on each page is offered
reflects the work of the great master.The most as a reference and inspiration for learners.Don’t be
important aspects of the activities are exploration, surprised if children begin to collect knowledge about
discovery,and individual creativity. different artists and styles of art the way they collect
baseball cards or dinosaur statistics.
Mountain Lakeby Nathan Johnston,11
Inspired by William Sidney Mount,p.32
Great American Artists for Kids offers seventy-five
artists selected from hundreds of greats.The selection
process was based on artists whose styles,histories,
techniques,and artworks appeal to children of all
ages.Many artists could not be included,but they are
not forgotten! The companion book,Discovering Great
Artists,has one hundred artists to explore,many of
whom are American.We hope you enjoy researching
them all and seek out those artists who were not
included in this volume.Perhaps you’ll see them in
one of our new books in the future.Visit
www.brightring.com for links to artists from all over
the world. American Gothic in Charcoalby JohnBae,8
Elementary school students from ASFM,the American School
Lincoln ParkElementarySchool,Chicago,Illinois
Foundation of Monterrey,Mexico,proudly show their individual
Inspired byGrantWood,p.52
art inspired by the works and lives of great American artists.
Great American Artists for Kids encourages kids to
Great American Artists for Kids introduces children
learn from doing as they become familiar with new
to the masters of American art.Many great artists will
ideas.If a child experiences composing a painting with
have familiar names,like Cassatt,Warhol,and
the bleached-bone and desert-landscape shapes of
O’Keeffe.Other names may be new,such as Asawa,
Georgia O’Keeffe,then that child will feel more
Smithson,and Magee.Each featured artist has a style
comfortable as an older student studying O’Keeffe’s
that is accessible to children,and a life history that
works.Imagine visiting the Museum of Modern Art in
will inspire and interest them.
New York City and seeing in person those same
works by O’Keeffe! Many children have expressed
Hairy Monster by Enzo Greco,4
Inspired by Harriet Powers,p.26 that it’s like meeting an old friend.
© Lizette Greco 2005
6
Introduction Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc.
The activities in Great American Artists for Kids are Great American Artists for Kids encourages children
open-ended.The most important thing for children is to read books,visit museums and libraries,use the
to explore new art ideas and techniques,celebrating Internet,collect information,and look at the world in
their own unique art styles,abilities,and interests.It is new ways.They will begin to encompass a greater
up to each young artist to decide exactly how his or sense of history and art appreciation while seeing
her work of art will turn out and what direction it their world in new perspective.Perhaps they will be
will take.Independent thinking is encouraged,and inspired to carry art in their hearts as they grow and
differences are celebrated as skills and responsibility develop.They are already great artists in every sense
are enhanced through individual decisions. of the word.
Computer-DrawnCinnamon Rolls
by NedLindsay,5
Inspired byFrank Stella,p.109
Great American Artists for Kids offers art activities
to expand the creative experience and awareness of
children in all aspects of the visual arts through
painting,drawing,printmaking,sculpture,photography,
Statue of Liberty Celebrationby AustinCooper,8 and many other experiences with art materials.The
Inspired byEdwardHopper,p.34 activities in this book are for all ages and abilities,
from the most basic skill level to the most challenging.
Great American Artists for Kids has been carefully Repeat projects often,and discover new outcomes
organized and presented to make its use easy,quick, and learnings each time.Repetition brings comfort
inspiring,and useful.It is divided into chapters where with art process and surprising growth in art
artists are grouped by the years they have been most technique and skills.
artistically active.The chapters are color-coded so
that flipping through the book becomes a comfortable
VoomCarby IrinaAmmasova,8
way to find artists,art activities,or artworks by style
Inspired byRoy Lichtenstein,p.84
or technique.The icons are also color-coded,as is the
Chart of Contents.Most artists’ pages show an
original piece by the artist or a fine child’s work in Robot Appliqué by Raymond Unger,9
the artist’s style.When an artist’s work is not shown, Inspired byHarriet Powers,p.26
a website is given where art may be readily seen.A
full list of Internet sites is offered for viewing all
artists’ works in the ResourceGuide,pp.128-129.The
Index has just about everything you can think of,
including listings by artists’ names,art activity names,
and art materials.Last but not least,the artists’
birthdays are listed in the Resource Guide to assist in
planning art celebrations,learning,and just plain fun.
7
Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc. Introduction
Icon Guide
Experience,Prep/Plan,and Art Technique Icons
Icons are positioned in the upper corner of each art activity page to assist a parent,
teacher,or young artist with evaluating the attributes or materials of an art activity.
Icons help make choosing an art project quick and easy.
Child Experience Icon Adult Plan & Prep Icon Art Technique Icon
Because age and skill do not necessarily Indicates the degree of involvement Art icons help the reader quickly assess the key art technique or materials
go hand-in-hand,the starred Experience and planning time expected for the that are the focus of the activity.When activities have more than one
Icons indicate projects that are easiest, adult in charge,ranging from quick or technique,the main one will be listed first,followed by others.
moderate,or most involved for little involvement/planning,to moderate
children.All children are welcome and involvement/planning,to significant
encouraged to experience all projects involvement/planning. DRAW CRAFT/CONSTRUCT
regardless of their skill levels.Beginning
artists will need more help or
supervision with involved projects.More
advanced artists will work PAINT SEW/WEAVE
independently on easier projects.Use
these icons as guides,not rules.
CUT/COLLAGE TAPE/ASSEMBLE
One Star for beginning Little adult planning and
artists with little experience preparation
(easiest art activity)
GLUE COMPUTER
Two Stars for artists with Moderate adult planning
some experience and and preparation
moderate skill (intermediate
PRINT CHALK
art activity)
Three Stars for artists who Involved adult planning and
CLAY PHOTOGRAPHY/CAMERA
are more experienced with a preparation
variety of art methods (most
challenging art activity).Adult
assistance is often needed.
MIXTURE/DOUGH SCULPTURE
8
Icon Guide Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc.
Artist Style Icon
In the “art world” and museums,Great American artists from the past and present take years of exploration,discovery,study,and observation to get comfortable with
are often grouped into descriptive movements,styles,or eras.Definitions of these all of the classifications! For now,they are presented for the curious art explorers
can be found in the section,Great Art Words,pp.130-132.Some artists are found who wish to know more,and to help categorize the unique styles of each great
grouped under more than one style and still others are difficult to place in any one American artist.The more that artists and their techniques are explored,the easier
particular style.When an artist fits into more than one category,one icon or two it is to see how they fit into categories.Let the journey be one of enjoyment,
icons are given.Take your time learning and remembering these categories.It can discovery,and creativity.
ABSTRACT FOLK ART/PRIMITIVE MINIMALIST REALIST
ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST,
POST-ABSTRACT FUNK ART NATURALIST REGIONALIST
EXPRESSIONIST
ARCHITECT GLASS ART PHOTOGRAPHER ROMANTICIST
CARTOONIST GRAFFITI PHOTOREALIST SURREALIST
CONCEPT ILLUSTRATOR POP ART THEME PARK DESIGNER
CONSTRUCTIONIST IMPRESSIONIST POTTER CARVER
EXPRESSIONIST,
INSTALLATIONART PRECISIONIST
NEO-EXPRESSIONIST
FIBER ART/QUILTER LAND ART PRINTMAKER
9
Great American Artists for Kids © 2008 Bright Ring Publishing, Inc. Icon Guide