Exceptional Books for Exploring Great Artists
You don't have to know a lot about art to enjoy it with your kids. The books in this list open up the world of fine art in a way that lets you enjoy learning about the paintings and the artists together.
If you find an artist you really love, it is worthwhile purchasing a book dedicated to their works – a book with large pictures you can page through with your kids.
Recently, after my grandmother died (peacefully at 90) my brother and I were cleaning out her home. As we went through the shelves we found art books filled with the works of Van Gogh, Degas and Dali. We happily kept saying, “Oh! I remember looking at this with her!” Her enthusiasm lit a little spark in each of us to help us appreciate art and beauty. I am so grateful, and I just hope I can share a little of that with my own kids.
Come Look With Me: The Artist at Work (Come Look with Me) |
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How Artists See 6-Volume Collection I: Feelings/ Animals /People /Families / The Weather/ Play |
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Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning) |
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The Art Book for Children |
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13 Artists Children Should Know |
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Sister Wendy's 1000 Masterpieces This book is not specifically geared towards children, but I really love having it as an approachable art refference. I don't have lots of art education and this is one of the first books that helped me feel like I too could enjoy fine art and it's not reserved for “those in the know.” |
Maggy at Red Ted Art came up with the idea of co-hosting the bi-monthly Kids Get Arty project along with some other wonderful creative bloggers: Red Ted Art, The Imagination Tree, Tinkerlab, Imagination Soup, and Mom to 2 Posh Lil’ Divas. Every two months, we’ll all convene and swap ideas on how to help children appreciate art and create artist-inspired mini masterpieces.If you have a post inspired by a great artist, please feel welcome to add a link below. We love to get inspired!
Alissa Zorn is an author, and founder of the website Overthought This. She's a coach and cartoonist passionate about helping people overcome perfectionism and shame to build authentic, joyful lives. Alissa is certified through the International Coach Federation and got her Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from Moving the Human Spirit. She wrote Bounceback Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, and is always following curiosity to find her next creative endeavor.