Artist in Overalls: The Life of Grant Wood

by John Duggleby

Meet the painter of American Gothic in this biography that follows Grant Wood's path to becoming a renowned American artist.

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books, History

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

One last read for this decade.
I jumped into a fair amount of artist biographies in 2019. I've had this one for the past month and sat down to read it today.
Grant Wood was the artist from Iowa who painted American Gothic.
This is "the first biography of Grant Wood published specifically for young readers."
It's delivered with a picture book feel, with big square pages and beautiful images of his art. Those pages are also loaded with a lot of text, chapters telling the story of Wood's early life, and his struggle and determination to become an artist.
I learned a lot about him! Really enjoyed it.
As an adult, it also left me curious to know a little more, which I appreciate too.

A favorite line:
A local newspaper wrote that: "Master Grant Wood, only ten years of age, reports that he had found fifty-five varieties of birds in his neighborhood. His communication on this subject is very interesting and shows that he is an observing, thoughtful, wide-awake boy."

How wonderful, too, that Grant's mother believed in his talent.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice overview of an American who should be introduced to children beyond his famous painting of American Gothic. Living in rural America these depictions of farm life would be familiar to children. Iespecially love the close-up detail of the hen from the painting "Appraisal" on page 6. which is then used to introduce a small art lesson on p. 54 and 55. I also found "Spring Turning" to be amazing in how Wood took the pattern of the fields and made them appear to be like a quilt pattern that settled on the folds of the earth like a bed cover. I would very much like to see the originals and more of Wood's work. Also the struggles and losses that he faced throughout his life made me appreciate his dedication to his art.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Grant Wood's iconic paintings most of my life. I've recently looked into his work designing public murals, such as the ones in the library at Iowa State University, as part of a New Deal program during the Great Depression. This is a children's book, but is a wonderful overview of his growing-up years, how his gift was developed, and how he was received as an artist in his own time.

At the back is a section about Drawing and Painting like Grant Wood, leading to a handsome chicken, like Wood featured in so much of his art.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good children's biography on the artist who created the world acclaimed American Gothic painting of a worn farm couple- actually Grant Wood's sister and dentist. I am certainly happy with what I've learned about this artist.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite book I’ve read about the life an an artist. Lots of details but a fast pace book. Inspiring too!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant Wood’s unique rural/renaissance style paintings inspired an entire new art movement: Regionalism. His most famous piece being American Gothic, featuring a farm couple in front of their home that has a gothic style window at the epicenter. (The farm couple was actually Grant’s sister and his dentist.) After reading this small chapter book on Grant I have a deeper appreciation for him and his work, and look forward to seeing more of it.

[Jim Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple overview of artist Grant Wood with copies of his most famous paintings

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book got me to care about and almost like Grant Wood's paintings. now i won't just skip past them.