Usborne Treasury of Art

My son never took an interest in art in preschool, so I was thrilled when he wanted to make some crafts from the book “The Usborne Treasury of Art” by Rosie Dickins. We ran to our local art supply store (University Art) and bought paints, pipe cleaners, and pastels.

This beautiful book provides information about famous artists from all over the world, and then explains how to create a project in each artist’s style.
Although the book is rated for ages nine and up, my four year old was able to make a few of the projects with my help. (I did skip reading about Van Gogh cutting off his ear, and how alcoholic Jackson Pollock died in a car crash.)

I personally love modern art, and felt it was beneficial to emphasize the modern artists in the book for a few reasons. My kid is a perfectionist, and I think it’s helpful for him to see that highly valued works of art can look messy or odd or simple. Modern art also encourages us to be imaginative and analytical, and it’s fun to see my child respond to it.

Here are a few of the projects we made. (Kandinsky circles, Calder-inspired mobile) I’d love to find some other great art books for kids.