Earlier this week I realized that I have a significant gap in my cultural education: art. I appreciate art, I like art, but I don't feel like I really know much about it. Other than a surface knowledge of major styles and a slightly more in-depth knowledge of modernism, I am a hopeless case.
Once I realized my deficiency, I of course headed straight to the library, where I got this book for myself:
and this book for Clara:
I have yet to read my book, but Jeremy has read Clara's to her several times. Of course, the best part was before the second reading, when Clara said, "Dad, I need to go outside and paint on the ground. Like Jackson Pollock."
Yes, Clara has a deep and abiding ardor for the art of Jackson Pollock. If pressed, she can also point out the Mona Lisa, Picasso, and Van Gogh, and she likes Monet's water lilies. But it's Pollock she likes the most. Perhaps it's his methods:
Any other art or art history aficionados out there? I'd love a good book recommendation--for me. I don't want Clara getting any more ideas just yet.
5 comments:
Wow, what a sophisticated family you have! All cultured and what not...
"I spy two eyes: numbers in art" and "I spy shapes in art". Those are two fun books for little kids, encourages art appreciation and identification. "discovering great artists" is another one I have. But really, just take her to museums, local art shows, local markets to look at artists booths. Get art books from the library, and let her look through them. (but you will want to look first, you never know what kind of art might "pop" up) I waited till Jade was older before explaining to her about art and the human figure..... after I made sure she had the idea of "keeping your body covered", down. :) Ask her questions like what she likes about different pieces, what she likes about the colors, shapes, designs, etc. How it makes her feel, and if she can think of some music that would go with the art, or what she imagines the artist might have been thinking or listenig to. If she can relate to different art, find a way to connect with it, you will have done your job. Even if she can only identify 4 artists, if she can really connect with art, the rest will come on it's own through the years. :) I think your kids are going to be amazing, and much more exposed to culture than mine. I seem to focus on self-expression, not education and apreciation. My kids are not familiar with lots of specific artists. You have inspired me, I want to take them to the museum next week!
Oh, another idea, (sorry, I have tons in this department), that I have found to be "entertaining" as well. You should join in too. Just get lots of butcher paper, or buy the huge drawing paper tablets at walmart (I wait and use my 50% off cupon at Michaels, can't beat that deal). Get cheap art supplies, like watercolors, crayons, I use left over acrylic paint I find on clearance or at yard sales, I even use colored sidewalk chalk. You can water down the acrylics too, and I use Bill's old church shirts to cover up the kids, cut off the sleeves or roll up. Then pick different music, classical, oldies, rock, kids songs, latin, swing, world music. (don't put too many supplies in front, you pick one medium at a time to go with the particular music) and try to get them to express the music on paper, going with the rythyms, beats, dancing along while painting, etc. It's fun. Just make sure Clara doesn't have expectations that her art will look like the masters. (high expectations and perfectionism is a first-born trait, and NOT the healthiest when it comes to art. We stuggle SO much with Jade, trying to get it through her head to "let go" and not expect perfection in her art, most of the time it doesn't work, first-borns are just that way) Maake sure you tell her always, that even the Masters started out with scribbles, and most of the time, the best art comes after we make a mistake and have to figure out a way to work with that mistake. Art needs to be fun, fun, fun. It is nearly impossible for little kids to think "abstract expression", so helping her to have fun with music and color is great. Sorry, maybe I should have just sent you an email. I gotta go change a diaper, but you know if you ask an art question, I'm gonna give you my answer. :)
Can I come over on Jackson Pollock day? I want to splash paint on the sidewalk too!
That is awesome. Clara is such a hoot. Sounds like I have some catching up to do. Ada hasn't a clue who Jackson Pollack is. We are still working on remembering Cinderella's name (Ada always points to her and says, "Ummmmm, who's that again?". :)
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