Fun and easy art-appreciation activities abound in this resource that features 75 American artists from colonial times to the present. A brief biography for each artist tells why his or her work is important, and a kid-tested art activity tries out the artist’s approach. For Georgia O’Keeffe, the activity is a desert painting; for Frederic Remington, a face cast; for Leroy Nieman, a sketch of athletes; and for James Whistler, a clay engraving. Projects stress the creative process and encourage kids to try unusual techniques such as block printing, soak-stain, and stone carving as they learn about architecture, drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. A resource guide provides a glossary of art terms, a list that groups the artists by style, a list of the artists’ birthdays, an index of art supplies, and websites for viewing art online.

"What a gift the authors have given student and teacher, child and adult alike." — Joseph Raffael, American artist

"Focuses children on the delight of putting one color directly next to or on top of another color, as opposed to filling in black outlines." —Wolf Kahn, American artist

"Wonderful book." —Patricia Relay, administrator, Washington Art Consortium,
Bellingham, Washington

"Truly a treasure!" —Dr. Robert Rockwell, author, Mudpies to Magnets

"What a find!" —Kay M. Albrecht, PhD., early childhood specialist and author, Innovations in Early Childhood Education

"How refreshing!" —Ruth V. Roberts, Indianapolis Museum of Art

"The inspiration that every teacher or parent needs to encourage young artists." —Dr. Rebecca Isbell, director, Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development, East Tennessee State University

"Very well done!" —Carrie Rodamaker, programs director, Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Preservation, Inc., Spring Green, Wisconsin

Go to www.brightring.com for a "click to" resource of each artist and one of their artworks. ( )

75 great American artists are introduced through open-ended art activities allowing kids to explore great art styles from colonial times to the present. Each child-tested art activity presents a biography with full color artwork and techniques covering painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, and more. Special art options are included for very young children. FULL COLOR. 144 pages. ages 4-12 A Collection of Creative Hands-On Art Appreciation Activities for Children 4-12 To Inspire a Life-Long Love of Art.

The activities are so interesting when based in the style of the famous artist. I especially love: 1. the Andy Warhol activity, 2. Romare Bearden activity, and 3. Dale Chihuly activity. Kids are bonkers for these! They emulating great American artists while doing their own creative thinking. ( )