What's the Big Idea? - 9780823099986

Big ideas in abstract art—for little people!



The Art Explorers series offers a new approach to art, encouraging kids to interpret what they see in famous artworks, then try the techniques themselves. What's the Big Idea?: Activities and Adventures in Abstract Art, the fifth book in the series, draws children into the intriguing, involving world of abstract art by highlighting the work of six famous artists. From Red Canna by Georgia O'Keeffe to Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso, from La Ville by Fernand Léger to a plate from Jazz by Henri Matisse, from Myxomatose by Alexander Calder to Water of the Flowery Mill by Arshile Gorky, each artist is represented by a famous artwork, paired with questions to get kids thinking about what they see. Easy-to-follow activities provide hands-on experience with the artist's techniques, subject, and media, each illustrated with examples by real kids. Packed with great art and great activities, What's the Big Idea? lets kids understand art—and become artists themselves.



Praise for Art Explorers

“Highly useful and entertaining.”—School Library Journal

“Offers creative ideas for children.”—Publishers Weekly

“A breath of fresh air.”—Library Media Connection

“Well done.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A terrific resource.”—Big Apple Parent



• Interactive introduction to six famous artists: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand Léger, Georgia O'Keeffe, Alexander Calder, and Arshile Gorky

• Hands-on approach to understanding great art
• School budget cuts? Parents and teachers need Art Explorers—ideal for homeschoolers, too!