Product Description

With so many colors to choose from, why did Henri Matisse use only three? How can an artist make a three-dimensional picture on a flat sheet of paper? Why is some Aboriginal art described as x-ray style? "M is for Masterpiece," a comprehensive guide to fine art written for children, provides satisfying answers to such questions and more. From ancient cave paintings to Christo's "Running Fence," a wide vareity of art forms and styles are discussed in details that children will understand and adults will appreciate. "M is for Masterpiece" not only teaches about the great artists and techniques that originated in various parts of the world, but also discusses the elements of painting, art media, and landscapes of the American West. The art of photography and architecture is also covered.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #500783 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781585362769
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5–In this addition to a series of informational alphabet books, Domeniconi introduces readers to the world of art. A-to-Z entries consist of brief rhyming poems paired with expository narrative. The text makes reference to a mix of artists (e.g., Michelangelo, Paul Gauguin, Frida Kahlo); artistic works (including the Mona Lisa, the moai of Easter Island, Navajo weavings, and Christo's Running Fence); and art styles (impressionism, abstract, etc.). The letter Q is linked with quillwork (porcupine-quill embroidery done by Native Americans), X is for the X-ray-style of drawing used by the ancient people of Australia, and Z is for Zoom/a special camera lens. Bullas's paintings, rich in color, are strong in shape, line, texture, and detail. They depict highlighted individuals and artworks as well as various tools of the trade. Of special note is the illustration showing a handheld magnifying glass enlarging facial features of a figure in one of Rembrandt's portraits. Many of the pictures cover two pages and the layouts include both upper- and lowercase letters. An attractive choice for browsing, this book might inspire readers to seek more in-depth resources.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Kids will get an alphabetical tour of the art world in this entry in the publisher's alphabet series. Each spread comprises a bit of rhyming text ("A is for Art--Mona Lisa, Michelangelo and a cow in a cave from very long ago") and two sidebars of solid information flanking Bullas' interesting artwork--a man painting a cow on a cave wall adorned with small, tacked-up renderings of the Mona Lisa and the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Young children may need an adult to provide more information and explain how the illustrations relate to the text, though some spreads do stand alone (pictures of brushes fill the pages of "B is for brush," which introduces the types and uses of brushes). Some of the re-creations of artists' works are better than others, but overall, this art primer will find a place in classrooms or among browsers, who may be encouraged to look at art or make some of their own. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Nice addition for your art book collection
Sleeping Bear Press is known for their alphabet books on various themes. This book shares the framework of the other books with handsome color and good layout.

Will Bullas's illustrations evoke the artist at work as many of the illustrations feature "the artist's" hand creating the picture. "V is for Van Gogh" is a close up of an artist's paint-smeared hands painting a swirling sky. Closeups of paint tubes, colored pencils and brushes bring the tools to life.

The book includes the art of many cultures from Native Americans to Easter Island to African masks.

"Q is for Quillwork" and "J is for Japanese Print"

Domeniconi's text rides in a column to the side of each spread. His information is excellent. In addition to the traditional explanations for the subject he includes related stories. For example, in "L is for Landscape" he describes the enormous impact the landscape paintings of Albert Bierstadt had on our country as they communicated the grandeur of the West to Easteners. I thought this was an inspired subject choice to illustrate the concept.

My only criticism is that this very interesting text was somewhat difficult to read because of the size of the type. It is an art to balance all the page elements with the amount of text but this was a shade too small for easy reading.

All in all, this is a nice survey of artists, media, techniques and art forms

M Is for Magnificent
What a great treat to open this book and see both beautiful artwork and poignant examples of art with the alphabet. As an elementary art teacher, I was first shown this book by my school librarian. After reading it, I immediately ordered it from Amazon for my own classroom (heaven-forbid I have school monies to spend on classroom supplies)! Whether it is for a kindergartner or a 5th grader, this is very applicable for all of my students. I teach about each of these subjects, whether it is an artist, a style, or the tools used for art and this book is a great tie-in to their lessons. The use of rhyming form to explain each letter is creative and is a good way to remember the topic of the letter on each page.My students even learn the rhyme when we are covering a specific topic at that time! Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or a lover of art- this is a great book for any age to have in their collection.

As inclusive as possible in an alphabet of 26 topics
David Domeniconi wrote the rhyme and narrative of the M and other letters; Will Bullas re-imagined the masterpieces through his artwork. "M is for Masterpiece: An Art Alphabet" is an ingenious examination of twenty-six topics of art for the elementary/middle school level.

The little rhyme is simple, but paves the way for an expanded explanation on the sides of the artwork. Listen to the first line of the little verses:
A is for Art-- (where Domeniconi briefly discusses art in general and the Mona Lisa and Michaelangelo in specific
B is for Brush--(technique)
C is for Colors
D is for Drawing
F is for Running Fence (example of modern landscape art)
H is for Horizon (perspective)
I is for "unfinished" (style)
J is for Japanese (Block printing)
K is for Kahlo, Frida Kahlo (self-portraits and exotic subjects)
L is for Landscape (Albert Bierstadt who painted scenes of the American West on huge canvases--intended that paintings fill up that big space over the mantle over the fireplace.
M is for the Museum
O is for O'Keefe (most famous of women painters)
P is for Picasso (the epitome of modern art)
R is for Rembrandt (that other famous self-portrait painter)
S is for sculpture (another style)
T is for Taj Mahal (architecture as art)
U is for Untitled (a mystery to those who don't know)
V is for Van Gogh
W is for Watercolors (another technique)
X is for X-ray style (of the aborigines of Australia)
Y is for Yoruba (an African art style)
Z is for Zoom (photography as art)

I listed these with a brief explanation or topic identifier so you can readily see what a compendium of topics this is.. A great way for an introduction to art! Recommended for ages, beginning at 8 or so and including adults.