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דיוקן של אמן: וינסנט ואן גוך
וִינְסֶנְט וַאן גּוֹךְ אָהַב לְצַיֵּר, אֲבָל הַצִּיּוּרִים שֶׁלּוֹ יָצְאוּ עֲכוּרִים וְחוּמִים. בְּחִפּוּשָׂיו אַחַר הַשְׁרָאָה הוּא בִּקֵּר אֶת אָחִיו הָאָהוּב בְּפָּרִיז, וּפָגַשׁ שָׁם חֲבוּרַת צַיָּרִים שֶׁנּוֹדְעוּ בַּשֵּׁם "הָאִימְפְּרֶסְיוֹנִיסְטִים". הֵם לִמְּדוּ אוֹתוֹ לְהִשְׁתַּמֵּש בִּצְבָעִים צְלוּלִים וּבְהִירִים. מֵאָז הוּא לֹא הִפְסִיק לְצַיֵּר, וְיָצַר יוֹתֵר מֵאַלְפַּיִם צִיּוּרִים. זֶהוּ סִפּוּרוֹ שֶׁל אַחַד הַצַּיָּרִים הַגְּדוֹלִים בְּתוֹלְדוֹת הָאָמָּנוּת הַמַּעֲרָבִית, וְסִפּוּר יְצִירוֹת הַמּוֹפֵת שֶׁלּוֹ – מְקוֹר הַשְׁרָאָה גְּדוֹלָה מֵאֵין כָּמוֹהָ.
הַסֵּפֶר כּוֹלֵל מַבָּט מִקָּרוֹב עַל עֶשֶׂר יְצִירוֹת מֵאֵת וִינְסֶנְט וַאן גּוֹךְ.
הַסֵּפֶר כּוֹלֵל מַבָּט מִקָּרוֹב עַל עֶשֶׂר יְצִירוֹת מֵאֵת וִינְסֶנְט וַאן גּוֹךְ.
30 pages, Hardcover
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 27, 2020
5★
“When Vincent arrived in Paris, something life-changing happened. He saw paintings by a group of artists now called the Impressionists.”
I’m not alone in enjoying the art of Vincent Van Gogh, and I’ve read a bit about him and Theo, his older brother. Theo was an art dealer, and Vincent liked to draw. He was unhappy, but something I didn’t know was that he became a priest, because he had heard that some people found happiness in serving God.
Vincent tries life as a priest in Belgium.
When being a priest didn’t help him, he returned home and began painting. But he was dissatisfied with his paintings being “a sludgy shade of brown” so asked his art dealer brother for advice. Theo suggested he go to Paris to get some tips from artists there.
Vincent is inspired to paint with what he called “colour gymnastics”.
He and painter Paul Gauguin moved to Arles, where Vincent was captivated by the farms and landscape.
Vincent wanders through the countryside
The story of Van Gogh cutting his ear off is well known, but in this children’s book, the story is slightly modified from the usual.
”One day he became so frantic, he had an argument with Paul. In a heated moment, he damaged a part of his ear very badly.”
He went to hospital, where he rested and began to enjoy watching the night skies. Notice the famous painting, “The Starry Night” in the top corner of the illustration below.
Vincent studies the stars from his hospital window.
At the end of the book is a selection of his paintings with notes about each, and there is a list of all the paintings scattered throughout the book as well.
Some of Vincent Van Gogh's famous paintings.
This is a particularly colourful, attractive book that should appeal to all ages. Children will be drawn to the vibrancy of his “colour gymnastics”, which illustrator Edith Carron has captured in a simple form, and adults will enjoy revisiting their favourite, familiar paintings.
It is longer and more detailed than I’ve indicated with these few illustrations, and I really enjoyed it. I must admit I found it hard not to hum Don McLean’s famous “Starry Starry Night” while I was reading.
“When Vincent arrived in Paris, something life-changing happened. He saw paintings by a group of artists now called the Impressionists.”
I’m not alone in enjoying the art of Vincent Van Gogh, and I’ve read a bit about him and Theo, his older brother. Theo was an art dealer, and Vincent liked to draw. He was unhappy, but something I didn’t know was that he became a priest, because he had heard that some people found happiness in serving God.
Vincent tries life as a priest in Belgium.
When being a priest didn’t help him, he returned home and began painting. But he was dissatisfied with his paintings being “a sludgy shade of brown” so asked his art dealer brother for advice. Theo suggested he go to Paris to get some tips from artists there.
Vincent is inspired to paint with what he called “colour gymnastics”.
He and painter Paul Gauguin moved to Arles, where Vincent was captivated by the farms and landscape.
Vincent wanders through the countryside
The story of Van Gogh cutting his ear off is well known, but in this children’s book, the story is slightly modified from the usual.
”One day he became so frantic, he had an argument with Paul. In a heated moment, he damaged a part of his ear very badly.”
He went to hospital, where he rested and began to enjoy watching the night skies. Notice the famous painting, “The Starry Night” in the top corner of the illustration below.
Vincent studies the stars from his hospital window.
At the end of the book is a selection of his paintings with notes about each, and there is a list of all the paintings scattered throughout the book as well.
Some of Vincent Van Gogh's famous paintings.
This is a particularly colourful, attractive book that should appeal to all ages. Children will be drawn to the vibrancy of his “colour gymnastics”, which illustrator Edith Carron has captured in a simple form, and adults will enjoy revisiting their favourite, familiar paintings.
It is longer and more detailed than I’ve indicated with these few illustrations, and I really enjoyed it. I must admit I found it hard not to hum Don McLean’s famous “Starry Starry Night” while I was reading.
August 12, 2019
No.
I was all on board with this charming little introduction to van Gogh's life and work. His story is told clearly and simply, and young readers are introduced to his most famous works of art.
Then I got to the last illustration. Seems to me that the text and the illustration are romanticizing his death by suicide!
Sorry, but no. Hell no. I understand that the ending needs to be PG for young readers, but this telling completely misses the mark.
2 stars. Fixing that one part would be fairly simple, so I hope there are adjustments made, but I can't recommend this version.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a DRC of this book, which will be available for purchase on September 3rd.
I was all on board with this charming little introduction to van Gogh's life and work. His story is told clearly and simply, and young readers are introduced to his most famous works of art.
Then I got to the last illustration. Seems to me that the text and the illustration are romanticizing his death by suicide!
Sorry, but no. Hell no. I understand that the ending needs to be PG for young readers, but this telling completely misses the mark.
2 stars. Fixing that one part would be fairly simple, so I hope there are adjustments made, but I can't recommend this version.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a DRC of this book, which will be available for purchase on September 3rd.
August 11, 2019
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh by Lucy Brownridge is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This book is excellent for kids to learn about van Gogh's life and his art. It tells about where he lived, what he painted, and in the back of the book it has extra information on his paintings. This is a find starting point for young historians or painters!
September 21, 2019
This book was a short summary of the events in Vincent's life together with his paintings in each page.
However, compared to Frida's version, the artstyle here was really cute but wasn't filled. There's many white spaces in between and the paintings of Vincent's was just pasted rather than being part of the art in some pages.
Overall, it's still cute and was a good read. I'm not sure what to say about the last page since I read a review mentioning that it's romanticizing his suicide (which I'm not very sure since I watched the BuzzFeed episode about him 😅)
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
However, compared to Frida's version, the artstyle here was really cute but wasn't filled. There's many white spaces in between and the paintings of Vincent's was just pasted rather than being part of the art in some pages.
Overall, it's still cute and was a good read. I'm not sure what to say about the last page since I read a review mentioning that it's romanticizing his suicide (which I'm not very sure since I watched the BuzzFeed episode about him 😅)
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
August 8, 2019
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh by Lucy Brownridge is a visually stunning account of the life and work of the beloved Dutch artist. The text is simple, yet comprehensive, and is written in straighforward and concise terms that even the youngest of children will find accessible. I was immediately drawn into the stunning illustrations, feeling almost transported to the world that Van Gogh himself inhabited.
This book is the perfect tool by which to introduce young children to the appreciation of classic art. I would not hesitate to purchase this book, not only to share with the children in my life, but as a cherished addition to my own collection.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for granting my wish, and allowing me access to this beautiful gem of a book.
This book is the perfect tool by which to introduce young children to the appreciation of classic art. I would not hesitate to purchase this book, not only to share with the children in my life, but as a cherished addition to my own collection.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for granting my wish, and allowing me access to this beautiful gem of a book.
September 11, 2019
I really like the art of Vincent van Gogh and "The starry night" is my favorite painting ever. I almost cried that time I had a chance to see it for myself at an art exhibition. So, it's not really a surprise that I decided to read and review this book.
What I liked the most are definitely the drawings. They are really "Van-Gogh-ish". But in the end, I missed something. It's still great, but I think that Frida Kahlo book is done slightly better than this one.
What I liked the most are definitely the drawings. They are really "Van-Gogh-ish". But in the end, I missed something. It's still great, but I think that Frida Kahlo book is done slightly better than this one.
August 23, 2019
Another excellent book in this series! It’s perfect for budding artists and any other older elementary child looking to learn more about the arts. The illustrations are all in the style of Van Gogh, adding to the overall mood. The lists found at the end of facts and his most famous paintings are a helpful resource. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
August 9, 2019
A very good book in the making, I happen to know a little too much of the subject to credit this with the success it should be. It shows the life of Vincent van Gogh, forever painting or otherwise presenting his artworks to us, so the book's creators posit him at, say, the top of some steps in Montmartre, and show his real-life, finished work on the easel he stands in front of. Thus a suitable pictorial representation of his work is always accompanying a suitable illustration of the point of its creation, and a suitable text. Except… it seems to say pictures like 'The Potato Eaters' are dismissed for their lack of colour, when they're still thought of highly. It says he and Gauguin found the Yellow House together, when they didn't, and it says Vincent took himself to hospital, when he didn't, for his brother consigned him with Vincent's consent, which is not quite the same thing. I really like the format, and I'd rave over this book, not least for the pleasant way it gives us some of the darker nitty-gritty in a very PG-certificate manner – but to have so many nits to pick with it means I can't rate it as highly as it might otherwise have deserved.
August 20, 2019
I love Van Gogh and I really enjoyed reading this. I was happily surprised that they mentioned Theo and their relationship. For such a short book I feel like it hit all the really important points in Vincent’s life. The illustrations were perfect as they really fit with Vincent’s aesthetic as an artist. This is a book I would read to my kid if I had one. So good!
September 20, 2019
I've really been enjoying all these books that tell us about the lives of famous people and Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh by Lucy Brownridge was another great hit. I'm impressed by how well Brownridge describes depression and the manner of van Gogh's death in a manner that is appropriate for young children. As always, the illustrations are great too and I like how his paintings are strewn throughout the book as well as that there are some explanations for some of his paintings in the back of the book.
August 8, 2019
Another book in the Portrait of an Artist series.
This is one dedicated to the life of Vincent Van Gogh.
The tag line is “Discover the artist behind the masterpieces.”
Anyone with a passing knowledge of Van Gogh’s life will know it was a troubled one and perhaps not easy to reduce to the understanding of 4-7 year olds.
Written by Lucy Brownridge and wonderfully illustrated by Edith Carron. I like that the colourful drawing throughout the book reflects the artist it is about.
Vincent was a troubled soul but a person of great talent that he struggled to express or find personal contentment. He loved to draw but when he came to make his sketches into paintings his colour palette was drab and predominately brown.
What I like is that this is detailed and placed within the story; his lack of self-esteem and complex of inferiority in the shadow of his brother. That Theo his sibling was supportive is brought home which is a strand a parent can develop with their children.
Vincent has a light bulb moment both figuratively and in the reality of being introduced to vibrancy of colour through meeting the Impressionists working in Paris where he’d gone to be with his brother.
This is the difference between light and shade and this again is explained well here.
Finally I really liked that his mental health issues were not set aside or even just skirted over but generically termed an illness. Interestingly through his use of colour you can have a conversation with an inquisitive child around the choice of colours employed in certain paintings.
What I love most about this series is the exposure to works of art. Here 10 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces are looked at in more detail.
Hopefully the book will lead to a greater interest in the arts and creative pastimes. I am looking forward to a visit to an art galley and being asked if that’s a Van Gogh or just an example of the Impressionist period.
Lovely books that your children will adore.
This is one dedicated to the life of Vincent Van Gogh.
The tag line is “Discover the artist behind the masterpieces.”
Anyone with a passing knowledge of Van Gogh’s life will know it was a troubled one and perhaps not easy to reduce to the understanding of 4-7 year olds.
Written by Lucy Brownridge and wonderfully illustrated by Edith Carron. I like that the colourful drawing throughout the book reflects the artist it is about.
Vincent was a troubled soul but a person of great talent that he struggled to express or find personal contentment. He loved to draw but when he came to make his sketches into paintings his colour palette was drab and predominately brown.
What I like is that this is detailed and placed within the story; his lack of self-esteem and complex of inferiority in the shadow of his brother. That Theo his sibling was supportive is brought home which is a strand a parent can develop with their children.
Vincent has a light bulb moment both figuratively and in the reality of being introduced to vibrancy of colour through meeting the Impressionists working in Paris where he’d gone to be with his brother.
This is the difference between light and shade and this again is explained well here.
Finally I really liked that his mental health issues were not set aside or even just skirted over but generically termed an illness. Interestingly through his use of colour you can have a conversation with an inquisitive child around the choice of colours employed in certain paintings.
What I love most about this series is the exposure to works of art. Here 10 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces are looked at in more detail.
Hopefully the book will lead to a greater interest in the arts and creative pastimes. I am looking forward to a visit to an art galley and being asked if that’s a Van Gogh or just an example of the Impressionist period.
Lovely books that your children will adore.
August 8, 2019
I love the child-like quality of the illustrations in this kid-friendly biography about Vincent Van Gogh. Each page is full of vibrant color, and painted in styles that mimic some of Van Gogh's techniques. Readers will learn about the early influences on Van Gogh's life and see examples of his work on each double page spread. The prints tie in perfectly with the story line as it proceeds.
I found it interesting that the title page lists the illustrator first and then the author. But I have to say the illustrations are really the driving force in the story with so many rich details to explore on each and every page. The story, while well written, seems more of a supplement to the visual story the art tells.
I was particularly pleased that the author handled Van Gogh's self-inflicted ear injury, as well as his untimely death, in a very sensitive manner. Parents of older children may want to research more about Van Gogh's struggles and have a discussion about depression, mental illness and suicide.
I loved that the back of the book provides titles of paintings, the year they were painted and the museum location where the work is displayed. Additional background notes are offered for a many of paintings. An extension activity could be to either visit a local museum or explore one online and search for more of Van Gogh's works. Online images can be zoomed in to find greater detail.
This book would make a great resource for art education. The illustrations introduce children to color combinations, perspective drawing, and visual storytelling. Students can explore how Van Gogh's style of painting changed once he was introduced to impressionism. The book will also serve as a great model for replicating art on their own: younger readers can copy the techniques of the illustrator's work and older students can try their hand at creating works modeled after Van Gogh's actual paintings.
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent Van Gogh can be pre-ordered before its September 3, 2019 release. Order a copy for yourself and an art enthusiast in your life!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Portrait of an Artist: Vincent Van Gogh from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
I found it interesting that the title page lists the illustrator first and then the author. But I have to say the illustrations are really the driving force in the story with so many rich details to explore on each and every page. The story, while well written, seems more of a supplement to the visual story the art tells.
I was particularly pleased that the author handled Van Gogh's self-inflicted ear injury, as well as his untimely death, in a very sensitive manner. Parents of older children may want to research more about Van Gogh's struggles and have a discussion about depression, mental illness and suicide.
I loved that the back of the book provides titles of paintings, the year they were painted and the museum location where the work is displayed. Additional background notes are offered for a many of paintings. An extension activity could be to either visit a local museum or explore one online and search for more of Van Gogh's works. Online images can be zoomed in to find greater detail.
This book would make a great resource for art education. The illustrations introduce children to color combinations, perspective drawing, and visual storytelling. Students can explore how Van Gogh's style of painting changed once he was introduced to impressionism. The book will also serve as a great model for replicating art on their own: younger readers can copy the techniques of the illustrator's work and older students can try their hand at creating works modeled after Van Gogh's actual paintings.
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent Van Gogh can be pre-ordered before its September 3, 2019 release. Order a copy for yourself and an art enthusiast in your life!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Portrait of an Artist: Vincent Van Gogh from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
August 13, 2019
¡No podía haber mejor homenaje para Van Gogh! En este libro infantil nos cuentan de forma sencilla (y para todos los públicos) la vida de Van Gogh. Acompañados de unas ilustraciones preciosas, que parecen hechas con ceras de colores y que le dan a todo un toque naif, veremos su vida desde que empezó a trabajar en un museo hasta el final de su vida. Por supuesto, nos mostrarán los momentos claves y en cada escena veremos una miniatura de una de sus pinturas. Como es para niños, no han contado las partes truculentas de la historia y para algunos temas, como que se cortara la oreja, utilizan unas expresiones que me parecen acertadísimas.
El libro está lleno de colores, algo que me ha encantado pues me gustan los libros con tonos encendidos. Además, con esta historia también se puede aprender, pues al final aparecen algunos de los cuadros de Van Gogh junto a una pequeña explicación sobre ellos, acercando su arte al público más pequeño. Los amantes de este pintor no pueden perderse este libro.
El libro está lleno de colores, algo que me ha encantado pues me gustan los libros con tonos encendidos. Además, con esta historia también se puede aprender, pues al final aparecen algunos de los cuadros de Van Gogh junto a una pequeña explicación sobre ellos, acercando su arte al público más pequeño. Los amantes de este pintor no pueden perderse este libro.
January 11, 2020
A wonderful book about Vincent van Gogh. The illustrations and text are perfect for little minds, and my 6yo enjoys reading this with me. My son loves visual arts and I couldn't ask for a better book to introduce the famous artist with some of his renowned masterpieces to my young child. This beautiful illustrated mini bio is another winner in the series.
November 20, 2019
First of all, I love artists’ biographies written for children with rich and colorful illustrations. When I saw this book, it became an absolutely “must read” and I enjoyed it very much. It portrays the great artist as an ordinary person with his own flaws, his ups and downs. The book has excellent pictures and age appropriate language. I recommend it for all children discovering art.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the kindly provided ARC. All opinions are mine.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the kindly provided ARC. All opinions are mine.
August 15, 2019
If you are looking for a delightfully illustrated book with which to introduce your child to the life and art of Van Gogh, Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh should be one of your top picks. Written for ages seven to ten, the sensitively written book begins with Vincent’s close relationship with his brother Theo, his struggles to find a place in society, and his eventual voyage to France and commitment to art as a career after he learned about Impressionism. Brownridge recounts his time in Aries with Paul Gaugin, including the fight that precipitated his self-injury to his ear. The writing becomes slightly less confident when the story picks up with Van Gogh’s depression and suicide. Understandably, this is a topic Brownridge wants to leave with guardians to discuss, but to solve that issue she uses the generalization “unwell,” and vague descriptions that might leave some children confused.
The illustrations in the book are gorgeous. Each spread represents a stage of Van Gogh’s life and includes a representation of a painting from that time, such a colorful drawing of Van Gogh in his Aries garden, with an adorable black cat that reoccurs throughout the book, accompanied with a reproduction of his famous Sunflowers. It’s no surprise that the drawings echo Van Gogh’s impressionistic style.
In addition to providing an age-appropriate but full summary of Van Gogh’s life, the book offers young readers and their guardians or older siblings an opportunity to read together and find the hidden treasures in the art; it can also be a jumping point for a family discussion on mental illness.
Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations in the book are gorgeous. Each spread represents a stage of Van Gogh’s life and includes a representation of a painting from that time, such a colorful drawing of Van Gogh in his Aries garden, with an adorable black cat that reoccurs throughout the book, accompanied with a reproduction of his famous Sunflowers. It’s no surprise that the drawings echo Van Gogh’s impressionistic style.
In addition to providing an age-appropriate but full summary of Van Gogh’s life, the book offers young readers and their guardians or older siblings an opportunity to read together and find the hidden treasures in the art; it can also be a jumping point for a family discussion on mental illness.
Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh is a new biography of the artist aimed at young readers (6-10 years). Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
It's always challenging to write a biography of a subject whose life was fraught with difficulties and illness and ended so tragically. The author manages to tell the story with truth and grace, noting of his death, that "later on that year, Vincent decided that he had had enough of being unwell". This is an appealing full color part of the Portrait of an Artist series including children's biographies for luminaries such as Kahlo, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
The factual events of Van Gogh's life are shown along with facsimile reproductions of his work. The end of the book also includes 10 of his best known works with a short interpretive paragraph about the symbolism and composition of the paintings.
This is a good support text for a classroom or library unit on artists, art appreciation, composition, and similar. This would also make a good selection for art interested youngsters and their families.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh is a new biography of the artist aimed at young readers (6-10 years). Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
It's always challenging to write a biography of a subject whose life was fraught with difficulties and illness and ended so tragically. The author manages to tell the story with truth and grace, noting of his death, that "later on that year, Vincent decided that he had had enough of being unwell". This is an appealing full color part of the Portrait of an Artist series including children's biographies for luminaries such as Kahlo, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
The factual events of Van Gogh's life are shown along with facsimile reproductions of his work. The end of the book also includes 10 of his best known works with a short interpretive paragraph about the symbolism and composition of the paintings.
This is a good support text for a classroom or library unit on artists, art appreciation, composition, and similar. This would also make a good selection for art interested youngsters and their families.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 11, 2021
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream"
Today Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most well known painters in the world. His paintings auction for millions of dollars. But the story of his life as a struggling artist is one for the books. He was in the grips of depression all through his adult life. He ultimately lost that battle. How would you discuss such a troubled yet brilliant artist with your child? Well, thanks to the publishing world and the amazing authors who make art history accessible, we have great resources for learning.
The Portrait of an Artist series, never shies from telling the truth but how they choose to say it, is what makes the difference. The book is for kids 6 years and above, so the whole biography is written and illustrated in a manner that generates an interest in the life and art of Van Gogh. His struggles are highlighted but in a very age appropriate and sensitive manner.
Edith Carron's illustrations are in sync with the art of Van Gogh and make for eye pleasing reading experience.
The best part is the compilation of ten of Van Gogh's paintings at the end of the book. It helps introduce famous paintings with a brief overview and sparks curiosity.
"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream"
Today Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most well known painters in the world. His paintings auction for millions of dollars. But the story of his life as a struggling artist is one for the books. He was in the grips of depression all through his adult life. He ultimately lost that battle. How would you discuss such a troubled yet brilliant artist with your child? Well, thanks to the publishing world and the amazing authors who make art history accessible, we have great resources for learning.
The Portrait of an Artist series, never shies from telling the truth but how they choose to say it, is what makes the difference. The book is for kids 6 years and above, so the whole biography is written and illustrated in a manner that generates an interest in the life and art of Van Gogh. His struggles are highlighted but in a very age appropriate and sensitive manner.
Edith Carron's illustrations are in sync with the art of Van Gogh and make for eye pleasing reading experience.
The best part is the compilation of ten of Van Gogh's paintings at the end of the book. It helps introduce famous paintings with a brief overview and sparks curiosity.
August 12, 2019
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for granting my wish for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Portrait of an Artist: Vincent Van Gogh’, written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Edith Carron, in exchange for an honest review.
Intended for children ages 7-10, this serves as a brief introduction to the life, work and legacy of Van Gogh. It’s due to be published on 3 September.
The text is simple while informative and is combined with striking illustrations that incorporate some of Van Gogh’s paintings. I loved the occasional cat that Carron has placed in her pictures.
Given the ages of its intended readership, the manner of Van Gogh’s death by suicide is sensitively noted that “Vincent decided that he had had enough of being unwell”. It leaves the subject open to allow a parent, guardian, or teacher to respond appropriately if questions are raised.
The final pages chooses ten of his masterpieces to highlight points in his artistic career.
I found this to be delightful and certainly highly recommended to help in instilling an appreciation of art and art history in younger readers.
Intended for children ages 7-10, this serves as a brief introduction to the life, work and legacy of Van Gogh. It’s due to be published on 3 September.
The text is simple while informative and is combined with striking illustrations that incorporate some of Van Gogh’s paintings. I loved the occasional cat that Carron has placed in her pictures.
Given the ages of its intended readership, the manner of Van Gogh’s death by suicide is sensitively noted that “Vincent decided that he had had enough of being unwell”. It leaves the subject open to allow a parent, guardian, or teacher to respond appropriately if questions are raised.
The final pages chooses ten of his masterpieces to highlight points in his artistic career.
I found this to be delightful and certainly highly recommended to help in instilling an appreciation of art and art history in younger readers.
August 20, 2019
This was very, very cute and I wish I had a small child in my life that I could share this with. I love that it uses the actual paintings of van Gogh to tell the story, and a lot of paintings as well! Van Gogh lived a difficult and sad life, and I think this book captures that well in a way that smaller children would be able to understand. And the illustrations are so, so fun. They didn't mention how he died though, which I thought might be a bit confusing for kids because he suddenly jumps from being very sad to being very dead. I think just a small line that connected those two things, maybe like he died of sadness, would be helpful. But other than that, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this. It was wonderful. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series when they are released.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
Portrait of an Artist tells the story of Vincent van Gogh’s life. The story begins when Vincent is a young man and shares his story until his death in a totally endearing and kid appropriate way.
The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. The story telling is excellent. I feel like this is something Vincent would be really proud of.
Loved: The addition of van Gogh’s actual paintings mixed into the illustration is something that I found annoying at first, but they totally grew on me. Also, the careful way the later part of his life is covered is very respectful and kid-friendly.
Disliked: I disliked nothing.
I would totally gift/recommend this book for any child or anyone who loves Van Gogh or appreciates art.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
#read #vangogh #netgalley #childrens
The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. The story telling is excellent. I feel like this is something Vincent would be really proud of.
Loved: The addition of van Gogh’s actual paintings mixed into the illustration is something that I found annoying at first, but they totally grew on me. Also, the careful way the later part of his life is covered is very respectful and kid-friendly.
Disliked: I disliked nothing.
I would totally gift/recommend this book for any child or anyone who loves Van Gogh or appreciates art.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
#read #vangogh #netgalley #childrens
August 13, 2019
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in this series I have read after the Frida Kahlo edition. This follows a similar approach, key events and art in the life and career of Van Gogh are set against some lovely illustrations.
I was interested to see how the author would manage to talk about some of the more difficult aspects of Van Gogh's life but I think this was portrayed really sensitively. Saying that he had enough of being unwell leaves things open enough to discussion without being overly blunt, we need to remember the audience for this book are very young children.
Some of the facts area little iffy but as with the Kahlo edition, this is a beautifully illustrated book that would be a great gift for any young person with a developing interest in art.
This is the second book in this series I have read after the Frida Kahlo edition. This follows a similar approach, key events and art in the life and career of Van Gogh are set against some lovely illustrations.
I was interested to see how the author would manage to talk about some of the more difficult aspects of Van Gogh's life but I think this was portrayed really sensitively. Saying that he had enough of being unwell leaves things open enough to discussion without being overly blunt, we need to remember the audience for this book are very young children.
Some of the facts area little iffy but as with the Kahlo edition, this is a beautifully illustrated book that would be a great gift for any young person with a developing interest in art.
August 18, 2019
This book is part of a series on artists. I have read the one on Frida Kahlo, which was well done, and now there is an entry of Van Gogh. This short book does an excellent job of telling the story of Van Gogh's life and work. Young readers will learn about Vincent's struggle to find what he wanted to do; for example, they will read that Van Gogh was a minister for a time before becoming an artist. Van Gogh's mental health issues are included in an honest, but not too detailed, way. Readers will also learn about Van Gogh's brother Theo and his relationship with Paul Gauguin. And of course, there is the art! The illustrations are vibrant and many of the artist's works are found on these pages. This book should be a welcome entry for a school collection on artists for young readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2019
I thought that this was a beautifully illustrated book which tells the tragically short life of Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most loved and well-known artists in the world.
I love books of this nature and I learnt more about him too and I will admit that after I finished the book I was off on Google finding out more - even as an adult I was intrigued and inspired to go off and find out more.
Despite having a very troubled life and a tragic death at a young age, Van Gogh produced thousands of fascinating works of art, many of which are very well know and his legacy is so important, it is essential to tell his story to new generations, and I loved sharing this one with my daughter.
The illustrator has done a stunning job with the book and it is definitely 5 stars from me - very highly recommended!
I love books of this nature and I learnt more about him too and I will admit that after I finished the book I was off on Google finding out more - even as an adult I was intrigued and inspired to go off and find out more.
Despite having a very troubled life and a tragic death at a young age, Van Gogh produced thousands of fascinating works of art, many of which are very well know and his legacy is so important, it is essential to tell his story to new generations, and I loved sharing this one with my daughter.
The illustrator has done a stunning job with the book and it is definitely 5 stars from me - very highly recommended!
August 11, 2019
The Portrait of an Artist series by Lucy Brownridge is an excellent introduction to art and its importance to our world. This specific title focuses on the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, which presents some challenges for the author. Brownridge is able to include very complex topics, self-harm, depression, and suicide, with a delicate touch. Younger children will be able to enjoy the illustrations, while older children may use the opportunity to ask important questions. Children of all ages will be engaged by the beautiful illustrations by Edith Carron, which serve as a backdrop for van Gogh's own paintings. Lucy Brownridge has created a series of books that will appeal across the generations and will facilitate renewed interest in the seminal works of the past.
August 18, 2019
It is no easy task. To take the story of a broken, mentally il man, who now is world famous for his paintings that were considered trash at the time he drew them, is a hard feat to accomplish in a children's picture book.
This is done as sensitively as possible. There is mention of his mental illness, in passing, and each page has a painting of Van Gogh's which are all explained at the end of the book.
Recommended as a good introduction to children of this very famous artist.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is done as sensitively as possible. There is mention of his mental illness, in passing, and each page has a painting of Van Gogh's which are all explained at the end of the book.
Recommended as a good introduction to children of this very famous artist.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 27, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for an early copy of Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh by Lucy Brownridge. This is the second book in this series that I have read and I cannot wait to read the other books in the series. This one, like the one on Frida Kahlo, was very colorful and done in the style of van Gogh. This book tells the story of van Gogh’s life, including him becoming a priest in Belgium, which was something I never knew about him. As with the Kahlo book, I would recommend this for children who like biographies, art, or just learning about new things.
September 21, 2019
This is a great addition to any child's bookshelf! The book is not just about Vincent Van Gogh's life. It also speaks of resilience and following your passion.
He was the first artist I introduced to my son. And although I was familiar with his life, I still learned something new from reading this book. I like the interesting approach of presenting his illness to young readers.
I enjoy the display of his paintings throughout the book's pages. The drawings are similar to his style, making it easier for the child to identify the artist.
Thank you to Net Galley and Wide Eyed Editions for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
He was the first artist I introduced to my son. And although I was familiar with his life, I still learned something new from reading this book. I like the interesting approach of presenting his illness to young readers.
I enjoy the display of his paintings throughout the book's pages. The drawings are similar to his style, making it easier for the child to identify the artist.
Thank you to Net Galley and Wide Eyed Editions for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 15, 2024
I really think this book is for older children as it is so sad and not appropriate for younger children. I found out things I did not know about Vincent Van Gogh. He was a really sad person, but a beautiful talent. I love his Starry Night. Like most artists you can see the sad times and happy times in his paintings. He had a hard time following the footsteps of his brother Theo which I think he was trying to achieve the same level of success. He became famous mostly after his death at 37. Such a visionary with the last of his paintings. This is a very good shortened version of his life. Illustrations in book are like his painting.
August 13, 2019
The perfect book to introduce kids from 7 to 10 to painting, art and to one of the most loved painters wolrwide. The text and illustrations (in his style) are engaging and beautiful. The incorporation of some of his works a wonderful way of intoducing his art. His death is discreetly and sensitively pointed at (“Vincent decided that he had had enough of being unwell”) which is important for kids that age.
All in all, a must-have for anyone who wants to instill a love of art into children.
I highly recommend this book !
#PortraitOfAnArtistVincentVanGogh #NetGalleyFrance
All in all, a must-have for anyone who wants to instill a love of art into children.
I highly recommend this book !
#PortraitOfAnArtistVincentVanGogh #NetGalleyFrance
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