Introduction to art : Nonfiction Nuggets

Exploring the world of art is a journey full of discovery. There is a style or artist for everyone, from the great masters to modern art to chiaroscuro to pointillism. Step into this amazing world and expand your, and your students’ horizons, with the beautiful books below.

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ABCs of Art

by Sabrina Hahn

Review: A delightful introduction to art, this book of ABCs highlights a wide range of artists and styles. Written in rhyme, each letter of the alphabet focuses on an item or topic which features in an accompanying painting. For example, the ballerina in Edgar Degas’ “The Star”. Each painting fills one full page with the artist, title and date recorded underneath. A friendly, artist’s palette next to each image asks children a question that encourages them to interact with the painting or its theme. In Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”, for example, children are asked to count how many umbrellas they see. A double-page spread at the end of the book helpfully collects all the paintings together in one place. This is sure to be a firm favourite and is a great introduction to painting whilst learning the alphabet at the same time.

Suggested Reading Age: 3 – 6 years

Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Personalized Alphabet: Students create a personalized art alphabet. They can either use the same words from the book and look for examples in different paintings or come up with their own words to hunt for.

Art and How it Works

by Ann Kay

Review: This informative book, provides an appealing overview of art history, techniques and styles from the first cave paintings to the art of today. Each 2-page spread explores one topic with information broken down into bite-sized chunks. Techniques explored include perspective and the use of light and shadow, as well as colour theory and styles of painting such as landscape and portraiture; sculpture is also touched upon. “Spot it” sections and “See also” tips provide interactive elements. Children look for objects in the pictures or follow links to other information in the book. A visual timeline ranging from 30,000BCE to 2010 clearly depicts famous artists and styles.

Suggested Age Range: 7 – 9 years

Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Customized Timeline: Invite students to create their own timeline as they explore different artists and styles. Extend the timeline to include other events that students are studying in social studies or mathematics, for example, helping them develop a well-rounded view of innovations and innovators in society at any one given time.

Why is Art Full of Naked People: And other vital questions about art

by Susie Hodge

Review: The premise of this book is to answer those burning questions that young, and not so young, minds have about art. Ideas such as the value of art, enjoying and judging art, as well as styles such as abstract and conceptual art are addressed by answering key questions. You will undoubtedly have heard many of these questions, or variations on them, over time (and may have even uttered a few of them yourselves!). Questions posed include “Why is art full of naked people?”, “What is it exactly?”, “Why do I have to be quiet in a gallery?” and the exclamation “My little sister could do that!” Deceptively educational, this is an enjoyable and worthwhile exploration of art. Definitely one to add to the list!

Suggested Age Range: 9 – 12

Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Question Quest: Students add to the collection of general questions about art. They then endeavour to answer them, using examples to justify their answers.

The Art Book

by Phaidon

Review: This award-winning book showcases over 600 works of art covering a wide range of styles and a mix of instantly recognizable and less familiar names in the art world. Arranged alphabetically, rather than chronologically, different art periods and schools feature side by side. Each page is dedicated to a different artist accompanied by insights into the painting and artist. Perfect to dip into, The Art Book is a great way to discover art and artists new to the reader.

Suggested Reading Age: Teenage and up. Younger students would also enjoy looking at the pictures.

Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Artist Study: Students find out more about an artist from the book that intrigues them. Look at further examples of their work, influences and technique. Students then create an original artwork inspired by the artist to accompany their learning.

Art: A Visual History

by Robert Cummings

Review: This gorgeously presented hardback book looks at Western art history from 30,000 BCE to the present day. Its eye-catching slipcase, in the style of an artist’s palette, invites readers in. Each chronological time period is colour coded to allow for easy location. Deep dives into selected works give insights into the art, rather like having your own private curator explaining the painting to you. Throughout, there are clear explanations as to why the artworks have been selected, detailing their relevance or importance to a particular era and what makes them stand out. This fascinating book is a real treat. It will leave readers far more informed and with a greater appreciation of and ability to interpret an artwork as a result.

Suggested Reading Age: Teens and upwards

Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Applying knowledge: Look at other artworks by one of the painters discussed in the book, see if the stand out features highlighted in the book also apply to their other works.