Look! Seeing the light in art

As in Look! Body Language in Art (2004), Wolfe once again uses a fresh theme to draw children into the study of art. In this picture-book title in the Look! series, the theme is light, and on each double-page spread, Wolfe invites readers to examine how artists have tried to convey qualities of light in works that represent night, day, rainstorms, sunlight, heat, cold, and  use light to create the texture and shape of objects. Each spread includes a suggestion for an art activity ( Draw a seasons calendar ), as well as a page of accessible text, in large print, that presents questions and observations designed to draw viewers back into the well-reproduced artworks. With a few exceptions, the artists represented are well-known, male, European masters, such as Caravaggio and Renoir. With accessible, engaging language, Wolfe gently nudges children to closely observe and react to art and to marvel at the incredible effects artists can achieve with their raw materials.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2007 Booklist

When we look at a painting, we receive an instant impression of subject, color, perspective and composition as they come together to form the work of art. Understanding some of the artist's choices and techniques can enhance our appreciation and enjoyment. That is exactly what Wolfe accomplishes, as she explores the way in which artists use light in their paintings. From the "mysterious light" in a Rousseau work, the "light shapes" in a Picasso work, to Fra Angelico's "heavenly light," Wolfe names the light in each of 18 paintings, ranging from the 15th to the 20th centuries. She addresses the reader directly, posing pertinent questions, focusing attention on key elements and suggesting artistic experiments. The paintings are presented singly or in contrasting pairs, and many have enlarged details. The endpapers are bright orange with a variety of descriptive words associated with light printed in many different fonts. Further information about the paintings, their artists and where they can be viewed is given in an addendum. An art lover's delight. (index) (Nonfiction. 7-12) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Look at dramatic light Have you ever been to the theatre and seen the way spotlights highlight the action on stage? Long before stage lights were invented this artist used dramatic lighting to make his paintings more powerful. This painting demands your attention. It certainly is a very unusual scene. Saint Paul sprawls awkwardly on the ground under the raised leg of a hefty-looking horse. He has been overcome by a vision so powerful that he has completely lost control. Deep shadows surround the brilliantly lit action. Look at the way light catches Paul's outspread fingers. Light hits the long vein in the old man's leg and highlights the smooth curves of the patient horse. Saint Paul is painted upside down and pushed right up against the edge of the picture-frame. His feet seem to be a long way away but his arms and hands are close up, vividly bright and startling. Dramatic lighting makes this an unforgettable picture. No wonder this artist has been called 'Master of Light'. For drama, use white chalk to highlight important parts of your drawing. Add deep shadows with dark chalks around the highlighted parts. Excerpted from Look! Seeing the Light in Art by Gillian Wolfe All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.