M is for Masterpiece: An Art Alphabet

by David Domeniconi, Will Bullas (Illustrator)

With so many colors to choose from, why did Henri Matisse use only three? How can an artist make a three-dimensional picture on a flat sheet of paper? Why is some Aboriginal art described as x-ray style? M is for Masterpiece, a comprehensive guide to fine art written for children, provides satisfying answers to such questions and more. From ancient cave paintings to Christo's Running Fence, a wide variety of art forms and styles are discussed in details that children will understand and adults will appreciate. M is for Masterpiece not only teaches about the great artists and techniques that originated in various parts of the world, but also discusses the elements of painting, art media, and landscapes of the American West. The art of photography and architecture is also covered.

Genres: Art, Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Carole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book from the books I had in my teacher's library when I taught elementary school. Each letter of the alphabet gives a taste into the world of art, from artists to techniques. You'll find, for example, B is for Brush, H is for Horizon, P is for Picasso and V for Van Gogh, and A is for Art. Each page has wonderful illustrations to draw the young reader into the world of Art. A young person might move on to a museum or further reading once meeting K is for Frida Kahlo or O is for Georgia O'Keefe. Actually this book is a good beginning for the young and old art lover.

[Mrs. Ruigrok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is full of information...a great resource book to have in a classroom so that children can access information about art.

[Karla · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise is good.

Can you believe the publisher mis-bound an alphabet book for young children? How confusing is that?

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best to read the sidebars; the poem itself is not as self-explanatory.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this art book for children. It’s another alphabet book that’s not about learning ABCs but about something else, in this case art.

Art history, various art mediums and artists, how to make art, and so much more are covered. There’s a little bit about a lot, enough to whet readers’ appetites to learn more.

Every letter has so much more on the pages, but just to give the flavor of this book: Art, Brush, Color, Drawing, Easter Island, Running Fence, Gauguin, Horizon, Impressionism, Japanese print, Frida Kahlo, Landscape, Museum, Navajo, Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Quillwork, Rembrandt, Sculpture, Taj Mahal, Untitled, Van Gogh, Watercolors, X-ray style, the Yoruba, Zoom. But, every page delightfully digresses in many directions, but it all somehow relates to art.

The illustrations and examples of art given are a wonderful (and necessary) part of the book. It’s a beautiful book.

This is a perfect book for any young person who either appreciates art or is an artist. Good for all levels of expertise, I’d say ages 7-10 ideally but ages 4 through adult for those especially interested. Nobody else has written a review yet so I’m not sure why others haven’t shared by level of enthusiasm. It’s not perfect, not at all, but I loved it.