cover image Modern Art Adventures: 36 Creative, Hands-On Projects Inspired by Artists from Monet to Banksy

Modern Art Adventures: 36 Creative, Hands-On Projects Inspired by Artists from Monet to Banksy

Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw. Chicago Review (IPG, dist.), $19.95 paper (160p) ISBN 978-1-61373-177-2

Pitamic and Laidlaw give readers a path to make 36 art projects in homage to 18 modern artists, whom the authors describe eloquently (“Degas’s world is the world of the ballet, races, and café life. He sees with an unflinching eye life’s beauty and its grimness”) while placing their work in context. Accessible, step-by-step projects include creating a self-portrait using a mirror à la Kahlo and making a Pollock-style drip painting. Capsule biographies of each artists, prompts that encourage children to contemplate the famous works of art reproduced throughout, a wealth of historical and artistic background, and activities built around a broad range of styles and media make this a standout resource for artists in the making. Ages 6–up. (Apr.)