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Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning
Featuring more than 150 activities, this guide teaches the styles, works, and techniques of the great masters—Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and more—through innovative, hands-on, open-ended activities for children Kindergarten through Middle School (ages 6 to 13).
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
157 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
MaryAnn F. Kohl
37 books37 followersRead more about me at my website if you wish.
http:// www. brightring. com
I write art books for children, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers.
And I love love love art for kids!!!
My blog:
http://maryannfkohl.typepad.com/blog/
http:// www. brightring. com
I write art books for children, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers.
And I love love love art for kids!!!
My blog:
http://maryannfkohl.typepad.com/blog/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 19, 2015
Don’t be fooled: Yes, Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters is aimed at elementary-school art teachers, but so many of the lessons are adaptable to high school art classes or even humanities classes. MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga has packed this slim book with lots of ideas to make everyone from Michelangelo to Wassily Kandinsky accessible to young people. This book is a work of art in itself.
Having borrowed the book, I went right out and bought a copy for myself. What greater recommendation can there be?
Having borrowed the book, I went right out and bought a copy for myself. What greater recommendation can there be?
September 16, 2008
I love this book! I won another book by this author (Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters) from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. I’m still waiting to receive that book but while I’m waiting I borrowed this one from the library and I read it cover to cover.
This is a wonderful book of art activities for kids. The book says it’s for ages 4-12 and the art of children 5 to 12 is included in this book, and the art is beautiful. This book would be useful in all sorts of settings; one way I envision using it is with children who enjoy making art projects but need help learning to read and/or follow directions. It’s also a fantastic beginning art history book for kids of all ages, and it’s a fun activity book for kids and the adults in their lives.
My only gripe is that so many of the activities involve much skill and/or materials that doing those will be inaccessible to many children, parents, families, teachers, youth leaders & youth programs, but there are a sufficient number of easier and inexpensive activities that should be available to most.
This book is so well laid out.
There are icons for each project that help the reader select an appropriate one with experience level, art technique (the media used) and time involved. Also included is artist style including such examples as abstract, cartoon, Cubism, Impressionism, folk art, Renaissance, and many others.
Overall, the book goes from the distant past to the present, and is a good art history primer.
Each page focuses on a particular artist. There’s a mini biography and a project that is representative of that artist’s work but is something that children can do (the younger ones with adult help and supervision.) For each project a list of materials is given and there’s a process section (the directions) about how to do each art activity. There’s often a picture of a child’s project or a piece by the featured artist on the page too.
Included is a terrific resource guide and index at the back that make finding the perfect project easy.
I am impressed and I’m eager to receive, read, and make use of the American Masters book too.
I do wish the artwork was shown in color though. The lack of color made the book less interesting to me and I'd guess to kids too.
This is a wonderful book of art activities for kids. The book says it’s for ages 4-12 and the art of children 5 to 12 is included in this book, and the art is beautiful. This book would be useful in all sorts of settings; one way I envision using it is with children who enjoy making art projects but need help learning to read and/or follow directions. It’s also a fantastic beginning art history book for kids of all ages, and it’s a fun activity book for kids and the adults in their lives.
My only gripe is that so many of the activities involve much skill and/or materials that doing those will be inaccessible to many children, parents, families, teachers, youth leaders & youth programs, but there are a sufficient number of easier and inexpensive activities that should be available to most.
This book is so well laid out.
There are icons for each project that help the reader select an appropriate one with experience level, art technique (the media used) and time involved. Also included is artist style including such examples as abstract, cartoon, Cubism, Impressionism, folk art, Renaissance, and many others.
Overall, the book goes from the distant past to the present, and is a good art history primer.
Each page focuses on a particular artist. There’s a mini biography and a project that is representative of that artist’s work but is something that children can do (the younger ones with adult help and supervision.) For each project a list of materials is given and there’s a process section (the directions) about how to do each art activity. There’s often a picture of a child’s project or a piece by the featured artist on the page too.
Included is a terrific resource guide and index at the back that make finding the perfect project easy.
I am impressed and I’m eager to receive, read, and make use of the American Masters book too.
I do wish the artwork was shown in color though. The lack of color made the book less interesting to me and I'd guess to kids too.
March 25, 2008
A favorite book for art-related programs. Many good picture books to tie-in with this like "When Pigasso met Mootise" and "Katie and the Sunflowers." There's also a really good one about the little girl and Mary Cassatt's dog.
October 4, 2019
This is an excellent resource to have on hand for art lessons
November 12, 2008
A wonderful introduction to art history for children with terrific hands on art projects. There are brief biographies of the artists, followed by projects that reflect their style. I especially love the Van Gogh starry night project, and the Duchamp "happy accident string drop" project. The ideas in this book are for creative art projects, rather than craft projects in which everyone uses the exact same materials to produce identical results.
There is a glossary of art words, and an index of projects listed by the materials used to make them, an index of art styles (such as abstract, cubist, renaissance, etc) and an index of projects listed by techniques so that you can look up all the projects that involve painting, etc., an index of great artist birthdays, and an index of the artists and the projects for that artist (some artists have multiple projects). In the front of the book is a list of art resources. Throughout the book there are simple icons showing the level of difficulty , the technique, how much prep time is required, and the art style of the project. There is a chart showing the artists, their projects, the level of difficulty of each project, and the technique used to do that project.
This is a great book for inspiring creativity in anyone child or adult, and a fantastic resource for creating programs to do with groups. I have used several of the projects from this book in library art programs.
Review updated September, 20, 2012.
There is a glossary of art words, and an index of projects listed by the materials used to make them, an index of art styles (such as abstract, cubist, renaissance, etc) and an index of projects listed by techniques so that you can look up all the projects that involve painting, etc., an index of great artist birthdays, and an index of the artists and the projects for that artist (some artists have multiple projects). In the front of the book is a list of art resources. Throughout the book there are simple icons showing the level of difficulty , the technique, how much prep time is required, and the art style of the project. There is a chart showing the artists, their projects, the level of difficulty of each project, and the technique used to do that project.
This is a great book for inspiring creativity in anyone child or adult, and a fantastic resource for creating programs to do with groups. I have used several of the projects from this book in library art programs.
Review updated September, 20, 2012.
October 15, 2010
I check out this book so often from the library I should purchase a copy for my own shelves. Discovering Great Artists is a fun book for teachers or librarians who want to provide art history and art lessons for kids. I believe this book,as well as many other books from the children's section,gives a great reference to teens and adults who want to learn more about the art masters and to learn the techniques first-hand. Kudos to MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga for creating their work of art in book format!
May 28, 2008
I think the only thing holding this back from 5 stars is the illustrations are not in color. Having said that, I am thrilled with this book. The art projects are all very doable for children, but are not dumbed down like a couple of other books I have encountered. There are many different styles represented like abstract, cubism, folk, modern, naturalism, realism, surrealism, cartoon and impressionism just to name a few.
February 20, 2008
This book highlights art history with relevant artists and techniques, and activities that imitate them. Simple things you can do at home, usually with materials you already have, but that inspire exploration and engender familiarity with artists and styles. We've enjoyed using activities from this book for a homeschool group.
November 16, 2011
Fantastic book. Well written. Well laid out. Was my main curriculum source last year when a teacher asked me to come in and teach about the great masters in art in her classroom. So impressive was this book, that the teacher went and bought herself her own copy. Very much recommend for educators especially.
May 22, 2008
Returned to this book every year since I bought it. The art exercises are great for the kids, and I do one every now and then.
June 21, 2009
Visit this URL for direct click to connections for each artist in this book with an example of a famous artwork by that artist:
http://www.brightring.com/artists.html
http://www.brightring.com/artists.html
September 7, 2009
Awesome book...combines art history from medieval through modern, with hands-on ideas for letting kids try out artistic techniques and new ideas.
June 13, 2019
I used this text as an accompaniment to How to teach Art to Children, but it could also be used as a supplement to a history curriculum.
The artists are listed in chronological order, beginning with Giotto (early Renaissance). Chapters 2 through 3 cover the major art movements through the mid 20th century. Chapter 4 deals with everyday art. Chapter 5 provides “Make It and Play It” projects, which reinforce knowledge of the artists. Chapter 6 contains a glossary of terms and helpful indexes.
Each project entry gives a brief biography of the artist, a materials list, and instructions. Project difficulty is indicated by a symbol on the top of the page. All the illustrations are black and white.
For a color copy of a given artist's style, find a library book of the artist's work or search online.
The artists are listed in chronological order, beginning with Giotto (early Renaissance). Chapters 2 through 3 cover the major art movements through the mid 20th century. Chapter 4 deals with everyday art. Chapter 5 provides “Make It and Play It” projects, which reinforce knowledge of the artists. Chapter 6 contains a glossary of terms and helpful indexes.
Each project entry gives a brief biography of the artist, a materials list, and instructions. Project difficulty is indicated by a symbol on the top of the page. All the illustrations are black and white.
For a color copy of a given artist's style, find a library book of the artist's work or search online.
December 20, 2021
In writing a blog post for my library on mastercopies for kids, I was looking for books that make art-making in relationship to classic/famous art accessible, and this was it! With an image of a famous work and some background about it on one page and a recipe or how-to instructions and an example of a child's work on the other, this book is perfect for my purpose.
My only qualm is that the text is small and crowded in a way clearly meant for adults or older readers and not entirely useful to beginning readers who might want to use the book independently.
My only qualm is that the text is small and crowded in a way clearly meant for adults or older readers and not entirely useful to beginning readers who might want to use the book independently.
June 21, 2021
There are some great activities in here, but also some blatant misinformation. The book claims that Michelangelo lay on his back to paint the Sistine Chapel (he didn’t), and it claims that Picasso invented collage, which is just flat out wrong.
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April 13, 2024This book is in its 2nd edition. Love the organization of information.
Also love the accompanying art projects.
Also love the accompanying art projects.
August 14, 2018
Good resource for homeschooling.
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April 23, 2012Kohl, MaryAnn F.(1997). Discovering great artists: Hands-on art for children in the styles of the great masters. Bellingham, WA: Bright Ring Publishing.
Citation created by: Sherry Bouldin
Call Number: 372.5
Description: A handbook/biography. It’s a biography of some of the great masters of the art world. It’s a handbook to guide the creation of projects in their same style – pretty neat stuff!
Content/scope: Projects are geared to children ages 4-12 years.
Accuracy/Authority: MaryAnn Kohl is the author of several art books geared to the elementary aged person. Other works include Great American Artists, Mudworks, and Storybook Art.
Arrangement/Presentation: Each project goes along with an artist that inspires the project – a small biography is provided for each artist.
Relation to Similar Works: Kohl has made art project books available in ebook form.
Timeliness/Permanence: This book was published in1997, but is timeless as the topic is artists of long ago.
Cost: $14.57
Rationale for Selection: This would be a great addition for our art teacher to have in her classroom. With the added emphasis on student work from our Program Review form of assessment, this resource would be a welcome addition.
Professional Review: Children’s Literature provided an online review of this book.
Citation created by: Sherry Bouldin
Call Number: 372.5
Description: A handbook/biography. It’s a biography of some of the great masters of the art world. It’s a handbook to guide the creation of projects in their same style – pretty neat stuff!
Content/scope: Projects are geared to children ages 4-12 years.
Accuracy/Authority: MaryAnn Kohl is the author of several art books geared to the elementary aged person. Other works include Great American Artists, Mudworks, and Storybook Art.
Arrangement/Presentation: Each project goes along with an artist that inspires the project – a small biography is provided for each artist.
Relation to Similar Works: Kohl has made art project books available in ebook form.
Timeliness/Permanence: This book was published in1997, but is timeless as the topic is artists of long ago.
Cost: $14.57
Rationale for Selection: This would be a great addition for our art teacher to have in her classroom. With the added emphasis on student work from our Program Review form of assessment, this resource would be a welcome addition.
Professional Review: Children’s Literature provided an online review of this book.
July 16, 2013
Visually, this one isn't as delightful as the Great American Artists for Kids book. It doesn't have color photos, and there isn't an art sample for most of the presented artists. (Google or other art books can be used in combination of course.) I found some of the art projects to be a bit plain or repetitious. But! It's still a really solid book with creative ideas overall. Each artist has a paragraph bio, plus an art project based on their work. If I counted correctly, there are around 80 artists.
Activities I'll be doing with my kids:
Gainsborough, Portrait on Landscape
Degas, Resist in Motion
Morisot, Texture Paints
Kandinsky, Painting Music
Klee, One Line Design
Picasso, Fractured Friend
Duchamp, Happy Accident String Drop
Dali, Dream Photos
Paik, Robot People
Activities I'll be doing with my kids:
Gainsborough, Portrait on Landscape
Degas, Resist in Motion
Morisot, Texture Paints
Kandinsky, Painting Music
Klee, One Line Design
Picasso, Fractured Friend
Duchamp, Happy Accident String Drop
Dali, Dream Photos
Paik, Robot People
September 10, 2020
This classic hands-on activity book is now released in a completely updated second edition that's even better than the original! The new edition 2020 is FULL color. Lots of images of the masters' artworks as well as children's works.
See the new edition at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
The companion book, Great American Artists for Kids, brings your young artists even more possibilities! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
See the new edition at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
The companion book, Great American Artists for Kids, brings your young artists even more possibilities! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
October 12, 2014
I was hoping to find more examples by great artists which isn't necessarily what this book gives you. But I did find some good ideas to try with the kids that I work with, so that was good. I appreciated the ratings of easiest to more difficult for each activity, so I could kind of weed out what would work for me. That being said, some the easiest ones appear challenging!
October 21, 2014
Can't wait to use this when my boys are just a few years older. Great ideas for kid art projects (I'm the least artsy person around, so I need a book to give me ideas) that imitate the styles of great artists.
June 16, 2023
Wonderful book.
I used it with K-2nd graders but had to do a fair amount of adjusting the art projects for their age level. It's really for more upper elementary. It would be great for middle school too.
I used it with K-2nd graders but had to do a fair amount of adjusting the art projects for their age level. It's really for more upper elementary. It would be great for middle school too.
March 24, 2008
This is really good! I love the short easy to follow lessons that cover an artist and technique, with easy to acquire supplies. This could work for elementary to high school age kids.
April 9, 2008
I love how this book sets up the order of artists chronologically, listing styles,projects, resources and great info in a concise and usable format.
July 14, 2008
I really like this book for art and look forward to using it again.
December 7, 2009
Great ideas! I love art history, particularly European, so this book really excited me.
August 3, 2010
Good art ideas in the styles of famous artists. Nice supplement to some art history.
May 31, 2011
Great art project ideas with just a little information on the artist.
July 13, 2011
This is a great reference for art projects, most are for younger kids but I found that many projects are easily adaptable to middle level and teens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews