CM Magazine: So You Love to Draw; Every Kid's Guide to Becoming an Artist

________________ CM . . . . Volume III Number 4 . . . . October 18, 1996

cover So You Love to Draw; Every Kid's Guide to Becoming an Artist.
Michael Seary. Illustrated by Michel Bisson.
Toronto: Douglas and McIntyre Ltd. 1996. 64 pp. softcover $13.95.
ISBN 1-55054-238-9.

Subject Heading:
Drawing-Technique-Juvenile literature.

Grades 3 - 8 / Ages 8 - 13.
Review by Gary Robertson.
***/4

excerpt:

" We can all draw and paint, sculpt and construct. Some of us take to art more readily than others, but everyone gets better with practice. That is what this book is about: improving your skills as an artist with practice-- the practice of art."

This little instruction book is a useful tool for teachers and parents who are working with children's art. It is organised in a clear, concise way that makes it easy to read and use with children, beginning with describing what basics are needed - the approach, the space and the materials. It then explains some simple ways of using the elements and principles of art to produce simple, creative works. The author has kept the process simple, suggesting easy and enjoyable uses of the materials and techniques commonly used.

Unlike other instruction books, this one does not pretend to be a complete course or great recipe book of ideas. It attempts to motivate and open doors to more exploration by both the teacher and the student.

The book includes short chapters on: The Use of Colour; Drawing Techniques; Perspective; Painting; Composition; Real and Imaginary Worlds and Visions; and, Applications of Art.

The drawings and diagrams, in combination with a simplified text make for an easy read and a great starter book for encouraging art in the classroom, in the home on a rainy afternoon.

Recommended

Gary Robertson is a recently retired Secondary School Fine Arts instructor and is both a practicing artist and musician in Regina.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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