Mary Cassatt (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)

Rating:
Summary: Cassatt's paint'g leaves the young with a warm tummy feeling
Review: "... she seemed to understand the love between mothers and their babies better than any other artist", p. 26.

The young reader will learn about Cassatt's early years in Pennsylvania, her family moving to France for two years when she was 7, her years at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and her moving to France at the age of 22 to learn more about art.

Cassatt's paintings have a current day presence to them. Regardless of how far we as a society progress, most children will be lovingly cared for by their parents. She captured the mothers and fathers in a relaxed state with their children going about their every day activities. Children will readily relate to the paintings given their own very recent experiences. The young are very sensitive to feelings. The warmth expressed in the paintings will easily be absorbed by their delicate nature. They will come away from the book with a warm tummy feeling.

My favorite painting in the book is Cassatt's "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair," painted in 1878. It remains contemporary. It could be any one of my nieces or even myself. When I was young, my mother used to make me dress up for family functions to which I agreed if I could bring my play clothes with me. This picture reminds me of what I must have looked like until I could change into my play clothes.

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His re-enactment of why Mary joined the impressionist group pokes fun at the upheaval they caused.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 6th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Working on Mary Cassatt inspired Mike to paint his own family's portraits, capturing ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: Cassatt's paintings (17) and print (1), Venezia's illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 4.

Rating:
Summary: What a Wonderful Book for Children
Review: "... she seemed to understand the love between mothers and their babies better than any other artist", p. 26.

The young reader will learn about Cassatt's early years in Pennsylvania, her family moving to France for two years when she was 7, her years at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and her moving to France at the age of 22 to learn more about art.

Cassatt's paintings have a current day presence to them. Regardless of how far we as a society progress, most children will be lovingly cared for by their parents. She captured the mothers and fathers in a relaxed state with their children going about their every day activities. Children will readily relate to the paintings given their own very recent experiences. The young are very sensitive to feelings. The warmth expressed in the paintings will easily be absorbed by their delicate nature. They will come away from the book with a warm tummy feeling.

My favorite painting in the book is Cassatt's "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair," painted in 1878. It remains contemporary. It could be any one of my nieces or even myself. When I was young, my mother used to make me dress up for family functions to which I agreed if I could bring my play clothes with me. This picture reminds me of what I must have looked like until I could change into my play clothes.

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His re-enactment of why Mary joined the impressionist group pokes fun at the upheaval they caused.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 6th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Working on Mary Cassatt inspired Mike to paint his own family's portraits, capturing ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: Cassatt's paintings (17) and print (1), Venezia's illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 4.

Rating:
Summary: What a Wonderful Book for Children
Review: Mary Cassatt was a true master when painting mothers and their children. Mike Venezia's book captures her life and work beautifully. This series on artists is so educational, I have bought the entire series for my brother's children. I first saw them in the gift shop of the Virginia Museum and have enjoyed them ever since.