JUST LOOK A BOOK ABOUT PAINTINGS
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Just Look: A Book About Paintings by Robert Cumming is a visually stunning and informative guide that provides a comprehensive overview of famous paintings, their artists, and the stories behind them. The book features an analysis of more than 50 works by different artists, and discusses various elements such as perspective, modeling, anatomy, light, color, and mood that contribute to the overall effect of a painting. Filled with beautiful images and insightful commentary, it is a must-have for art enthusiasts and novices alike.
Age
5-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions do you feel when you look at the different paintings in the book?
Which painting in the book is your favorite and why?
How do you think the artists decided what to paint?
Can you imagine a story behind any of the paintings? What do you think it's about?
If you could step into any painting from the book, which one would it be and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each painting, validating their thoughts and emotions.
Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding of art.
While discussing the book, relate the paintings to real-life experiences or familiar stories to make the content more relatable.
Introduce simple art terminology during the conversation to gradually build their art vocabulary.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Art
Explanation: The book introduces children to famous paintings and encourages them to notice the beauty and details in each artwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate art and can apply this appreciation by observing and discussing art in books, galleries, or even everyday objects.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions through Art
Explanation: By exploring different paintings, the book helps children understand the emotions and stories behind each piece, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can better understand their own and others' emotions and express them constructively, drawing parallels between art and real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Cultivating Observation Skills
Explanation: The book challenges children to look closely at each painting and discover its various elements and styles, thereby enhancing their observation skills.
Real-World Application: Enhanced observation skills can help children in academic settings and in everyday life, enabling them to pay closer attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Encouraging Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: As children explore various art styles and historical contexts presented in the book, their curiosity about the world and different cultures is fostered.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to explore further learning opportunities, whether it's through books, museum visits, or classroom discussions.
Example Lesson: Developing Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book prompts children to think about why artists might choose certain colors or techniques, which aids in developing critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Critical thinking skills are essential in all areas of life, helping children to make informed decisions and solve problems creatively.