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Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews
Benny Andrews loved to draw. He drew his nine brothers and sisters, and his parents. He drew the red earth of the fields where they all worked, the hot sun that beat down, and the rows and rows of crops. As Benny hauled buckets of water, he made pictures in his head. And he dreamed of a better life—something beyond the segregation, the backbreaking labor, and the limited opportunities of his world. Benny’s dreams took him far from the rural Georgia of his childhood. He became one of the most important African American painters of the twentieth century, and he opened doors for other artists of color. His story will inspire budding young artists to work hard and follow their dreams.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 6, 2021
Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews is a children's picture book written by Kathleen Benson Haskins and illustrated by Benny Andrews. It centers on African-American artist and arts activist Benny Andrews.
Benny Andrews was an American artist, activist and educator. He is known for his expressive, figurative paintings that often incorporated collaged fabric and other material. Backmatter includes a photo, author's note, a timeline, and sources.
Haskins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Haskins’ passion for Andrews is evident as it clearly shines in the text, brief though it is. Haskin was able to create a narrative using original artwork by Andrews' himself.
Driven by an early passion for drawing and a desperate Depression-era childhood in Plainview, Georgia, Andrews attended college on a 4-H scholarship, served in the Air Force and earned a BFA from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.
A black man on the GI Bill, Andrews had never even visited a museum until he went to art school. His paintings celebrated narrative as he painted the geography and the lives of black folks in the Jim Crow South and the striving, struggling inner cities of the North.
All in all, Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews is an indelible biography of an American artist and activist in Benny Andrews.
Benny Andrews was an American artist, activist and educator. He is known for his expressive, figurative paintings that often incorporated collaged fabric and other material. Backmatter includes a photo, author's note, a timeline, and sources.
Haskins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Haskins’ passion for Andrews is evident as it clearly shines in the text, brief though it is. Haskin was able to create a narrative using original artwork by Andrews' himself.
Driven by an early passion for drawing and a desperate Depression-era childhood in Plainview, Georgia, Andrews attended college on a 4-H scholarship, served in the Air Force and earned a BFA from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.
A black man on the GI Bill, Andrews had never even visited a museum until he went to art school. His paintings celebrated narrative as he painted the geography and the lives of black folks in the Jim Crow South and the striving, struggling inner cities of the North.
All in all, Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews is an indelible biography of an American artist and activist in Benny Andrews.
February 20, 2016
Benny Andrews (1930 - 2006) is considered to be one of the best African American artists of the twentieth century. He also illustrated over twenty children’s books. The author of this picture book was able to incorporate his own work into her story of his life.
Andrews was one of ten children of Georgia sharecroppers. Benson reports that Andrews began to draw when he was three years old, and never stopped. He didn’t want to continue to work in the fields when he grew up, so he walked three miles each way to high school, and then went to a college for black students. After serving in the Air Force, he used the tuition benefit to go to art school in Chicago.
When he finished his schooling, Andrews moved to New York City and became a working artist. He painted the people of Harlem, and continued to make pictures of his childhood in Georgia.
Andrews was a “figural painter,” meaning that his primary subject was the human figure. He employed both oil and mixed-media collage in the expressionist style, by which he depicted the world from a subjective rather than strictly realistic perspective. Recurrent themes included American identity, migration and the challenges and dignity of black life.
Andrews also became active in protesting for equal representation in museums for artists of color. He later began to teach in order to share his love of art, and to encourage people to use visual expression to tell their stories.
Evaluation: The writing in this book is a bit prosaic, but the pictures are worth the price of admission.
Rating: 3.5/5
Andrews was one of ten children of Georgia sharecroppers. Benson reports that Andrews began to draw when he was three years old, and never stopped. He didn’t want to continue to work in the fields when he grew up, so he walked three miles each way to high school, and then went to a college for black students. After serving in the Air Force, he used the tuition benefit to go to art school in Chicago.
When he finished his schooling, Andrews moved to New York City and became a working artist. He painted the people of Harlem, and continued to make pictures of his childhood in Georgia.
Andrews was a “figural painter,” meaning that his primary subject was the human figure. He employed both oil and mixed-media collage in the expressionist style, by which he depicted the world from a subjective rather than strictly realistic perspective. Recurrent themes included American identity, migration and the challenges and dignity of black life.
Andrews also became active in protesting for equal representation in museums for artists of color. He later began to teach in order to share his love of art, and to encourage people to use visual expression to tell their stories.
Evaluation: The writing in this book is a bit prosaic, but the pictures are worth the price of admission.
Rating: 3.5/5
January 1, 2015
Many people may not be familiar with the art of Benny Andrews before reading Benson's book; I was one of those. How I feel like I've lost so much time not knowing his artwork, yet I feel fortunate now to have been exposed to it.
Benny Andrews was born in Plainview, Georgia in 1930, and while some of his greatest artwork came from the time he learned to draw at three years old to his early adulthood, he is perhaps most recently recognized from his time spent in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. For many children, Katrina meant leaving home and learning in a new school, but Andrews taught them how to express what they saw and felt, how to take the tragedy that Katrina brought and turn it into something beautiful.
Kathleen Benson takes us back to where it all began in 30s Georgia where Benson first learned to draw what he saw around him, which consisted of African Americans working in the fields. While many associate field work with slavery, Andrews portrayed the labor of those who worked for a living, for money, not because someone was looming over them with whips. Read my full review at reviewscomingatya.blogspot.com.
Benny Andrews was born in Plainview, Georgia in 1930, and while some of his greatest artwork came from the time he learned to draw at three years old to his early adulthood, he is perhaps most recently recognized from his time spent in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. For many children, Katrina meant leaving home and learning in a new school, but Andrews taught them how to express what they saw and felt, how to take the tragedy that Katrina brought and turn it into something beautiful.
Kathleen Benson takes us back to where it all began in 30s Georgia where Benson first learned to draw what he saw around him, which consisted of African Americans working in the fields. While many associate field work with slavery, Andrews portrayed the labor of those who worked for a living, for money, not because someone was looming over them with whips. Read my full review at reviewscomingatya.blogspot.com.
January 18, 2015
The artist, Benny Andrews paintings are used to illustrate the book. I loved the story of this artist's passion, his and his family's struggles, his triumphs and his generous life.
May 26, 2015
Benny Andrews isn't anyone I've ever heard of before so I was surprised to read a life whose made such an impact in the world of art. I liked the use of his paintings to tell his stories since that was his way of telling other's stories. I appreciated all the additional information at the back of the book.
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March 11, 2016I love that the artist's own work comprises the illustrations.
May 10, 2015
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
I admit that I am not a connoisseur of art. Part of the reason I started this blog was a way to share and explore some of the many illustrators and artists out there who are working in the children's book industry. Benny Andrews is yet another artist that I am very glad to find through this discovery process. His work is colorful and relateable.
On a purely graphic design side of things though, I was disappointed in the way the art and text didn't work cohesively together. Some of the illustrations chosen for certain pages didn't match what was being said in the narrative. There were large swathes of white space in the first half of the book, purely due to the fact that certain illustrations didn't lend themselves to a 2 page spread. Although Benny Andrew's art is quite beautiful, I didn't feel like it worked so well as a picture book because the text was not working in tandem with what was being presented visually. This did not happen throughout the entire book though and I found myself drawn in more as the story progressed.
I honestly was more interested in the biography and timeline at the end of the book then I was by the narrative in the book, which means that this picture book biography, for me, did not work well in a picture book format.
I admit that I am not a connoisseur of art. Part of the reason I started this blog was a way to share and explore some of the many illustrators and artists out there who are working in the children's book industry. Benny Andrews is yet another artist that I am very glad to find through this discovery process. His work is colorful and relateable.
On a purely graphic design side of things though, I was disappointed in the way the art and text didn't work cohesively together. Some of the illustrations chosen for certain pages didn't match what was being said in the narrative. There were large swathes of white space in the first half of the book, purely due to the fact that certain illustrations didn't lend themselves to a 2 page spread. Although Benny Andrew's art is quite beautiful, I didn't feel like it worked so well as a picture book because the text was not working in tandem with what was being presented visually. This did not happen throughout the entire book though and I found myself drawn in more as the story progressed.
I honestly was more interested in the biography and timeline at the end of the book then I was by the narrative in the book, which means that this picture book biography, for me, did not work well in a picture book format.
February 2, 2015
Author Kathleen Benson uses the vibrant paintings of artist Benny Andrews to illustrate his story. And what a story it is. As a child Benny loved to draw the world around him. One of ten children, Benny’s parents worked as sharecroppers in the cotton fields near Plainview, Georgia. His love for art and school helped him overcome a difficult childhood and graduate high school. From there, Benny pursued his goal to go to art school in Chicago. Because of his unique ability to vividly portray African American culture and history, Benny’s paintings made him famous. As a respected artist and teacher he raised awareness of civil rights issues and social justice. Benny Andrews’ fifteen colorful and captivating paintings, including two dazzling two-page spreads, by themselves are worth the price of admission. His story is an inspiration to budding artists everywhere. “Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews” is an art treasure.
March 14, 2016
Book starts with the latest events in the artists life and then goes back and traces his life from the early years and how his talent showed up early in life. Mr. Andrews is not only a very talented artist but he is also a fighter for civil rights of others. His childhood was difficult but he was able to overcome this and went on to become important in the world of art. This comes through in the book but so does a feeling he still harbors for the struggle he fought which is not totally without some bitterness. The text is set opposite pictures to support it on each two page format. The font is not large but is suited to the upper elementary students. The cool thing is that Mr. Andrews is the illustrator for this biography. His pictures are realistic usually somber colors that really fit the mood of his life. A well written book that not only introduces one to a an artist of talent but one also gets to view his work as part of the book.
January 6, 2016
Subject:
Andrews, Benny, 1930-2006-Juvenile literature.
Artists -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
African American artists -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Benny Andrews loved to draw. He drew his nine brothers and sisters, and his parents. He drew the red earth of the fields where they all worked, the hot sun that beat down, and the rows and rows of crops. As Benny hauled buckets of water, he made pictures in his head. And he dreamed of a better life, something beyond the segregation, the backbreaking labor, and the limited opportunities of his world. Benny's dreamsnbsp;took him far from the rural Georgia of his childhood. He became one of the most important African Americannbsp;painters of thenbsp;twentieth century, and he opened doors for other artists of color.nbsp;Hisnbsp;story will inspire budding young artists to work hard and follow their dreams.
Andrews, Benny, 1930-2006-Juvenile literature.
Artists -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
African American artists -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Benny Andrews loved to draw. He drew his nine brothers and sisters, and his parents. He drew the red earth of the fields where they all worked, the hot sun that beat down, and the rows and rows of crops. As Benny hauled buckets of water, he made pictures in his head. And he dreamed of a better life, something beyond the segregation, the backbreaking labor, and the limited opportunities of his world. Benny's dreamsnbsp;took him far from the rural Georgia of his childhood. He became one of the most important African Americannbsp;painters of thenbsp;twentieth century, and he opened doors for other artists of color.nbsp;Hisnbsp;story will inspire budding young artists to work hard and follow their dreams.
August 17, 2018
This was my first introduction to the person and the art of Benny Andrews. The son of a sharecropper in Georgia loved art. He was able to convince her parents and their employer to allow Benny to continue his education through high school. That led to a scholarship for studying in Chicago. He drew what he saw and encourages his students to do the same. He wants people to use art for personal discovery and recovery. He to use art encourages them tell their own story and not rely on the perceptions from print media. He spent most of his adult working and teaching in NYC. His encouragement helped minorities, children, prison inmates and other disenfranchised people find a voice through art. Another great addition to a child's library. Will be searching for his biography next.
March 19, 2016
This biography of Benny Andrews is set up in an easy-to-read, follow, and be engaged in how this well known artist came to be. Benny Andrews started out by drawing what he would see. He would draw his very large family, the earth of the fields that he and his family worked in, the rows and rows of crops that they planted, and he dreamed of a better life. He dreamed of a life better than working in the fields. He wanted to go to school and eventually college. Benny Andrews dreams came true and he became "one of the most important African-American artists of the twentieth century." A colorful and beautifully written biography.
June 2, 2015
I had not heard of Benny Andrews when I picked this up. Good introduction to him and I appreciated the inclusion of his art to illustrate the book. It was also good to have a photo of him at the end along with an author's note, a timeline of his life, and sources/resources. For a children's biography though which began with mentioning Andrews' work with children affected by Hurricane Katrina, it would have been good to circle back and talk about that work or show a photo at the end of the book of him working with children.
October 23, 2015
The life of Georgia native Benny Andrews, who started to draw at age 3 and never stopped. One of 10 children, he knew that school was essential to his future. So his mother made arrangements with the farm boss and he walked 3 miles each way, every day. He became and artist and a teacher, reaching out to others and working in the cause of social justice through his art. An inspiring story. (Visual arts director of the NEA from 82-84)
Unusual in that the illustrations are from original works by Benny Andrews himself.
Unusual in that the illustrations are from original works by Benny Andrews himself.
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September 9, 2016Similar to the Banksy images, I want students to reflect on the different ways someone can create change. Benny Andrews created change in the areas he was gifted. Are there areas in students’ lives where they spend a lot of time? Where they fill they are talented? Where do their passions lie? What kind of change do these areas need to see? I would pair this idea with the Banksy images. Students will create their art pieces based on where they feel they need to see change. This text will proceed viewing the Banksy images. (See Banksy images for further instruction)
March 7, 2015
When I first heard that the illustrations in this book were from Benny Andrews' actual art work, I wasn't sure I'd like it. The book proved me wrong. Although you don't see a consistent character in the book, I appreciated see the world(s) Benny lived in through his own visuals while reading about his experiences. And in general, I liked getting acquainted with the work of an artist of whom I previously knew nothing about.
May 1, 2015
This must be the time for autobiographical picturebook biographies. This is the life story of Benny Andrews (illustrated with his own paintings) From his poor childhood, growing up in Georgia, through his adult life this simple but detailed biography is a real treat. Complete with additional information and a time line at the back, this is a great springboard for a middle school student, but would make a good source for the younger reader as well.
June 29, 2016
Listed in CCBC Choices 2016 under the Arts. This was my first introduction to artist Benny Andrews. I was confused at first when text didn't clearly match the photographs, as most picture books do. Halfway through the book I realized that the illustrations were Benny Andrews paintings which I really liked. The question is whether kids will notice. Sweet Spot: Middle and High School art students.
January 16, 2015
In the beginning of the book, the author talks about Andrews' work in NOLA, helping children express themselves after Hurricane Katrina. In detailing his life, I thought the author would circle back to his work with the kids at the end, but never did. Would have loved to have this explored more. But, I still learned about an artist I never heard of.
February 19, 2015
Really fascinating as an introduction to the life and work of a lesser-known African American artist (his paintings are color-drenched and stunning), though a bit confusing as a picture book: since it's illustrated by the artist's pre-existing paintings, the images shown don't always correspond to the text on the facing page.
May 6, 2015
Read for librarian book group
Story of the life of Artist Benny Andrews, who also illustrated the book. Good, although Mr. Andrews seems to be no longer with us which was addressed in a weird way. Present tense in the book itself, past tense references on the flap with the author/illustrator notes.
Story of the life of Artist Benny Andrews, who also illustrated the book. Good, although Mr. Andrews seems to be no longer with us which was addressed in a weird way. Present tense in the book itself, past tense references on the flap with the author/illustrator notes.
June 18, 2015
Tells the life story of Benny Andrews, sharecropper's son who became well-known African American artist known for teaching art and helping others, and protesting the exclusion of minority artists in exhibitions. The book is illustrated solely with Benny's art, from rural scenes to urban paintings. Gives timeline of his life, sources.
June 25, 2016
Finally a children's picture book about an artist where you can actually see the artist's work! Of course in this case the artist is also the illustrator. I liked that this biography tells specifically how Benny Andrews worked towards his goal of being an artist and how all his experiences impacted his career.
December 28, 2017
I love that this book about Benny Andrews is illustrated with Benny Andrews's paintings.
The book starts in 2005, then jumps back to 1933 and moves forward in time.
From a poor sharecropper's kid in Plainville, GA, to the military, then to the Art Institute in Chicago (on the GI bill) and then on to NYC, Benny far over-achieved what anyone would have imagined.
The book starts in 2005, then jumps back to 1933 and moves forward in time.
From a poor sharecropper's kid in Plainville, GA, to the military, then to the Art Institute in Chicago (on the GI bill) and then on to NYC, Benny far over-achieved what anyone would have imagined.
July 22, 2015
Quiet picture book biography of the inspiring Benny Andrews using his own art as the illustrations. This is a beautiful book that offers many uses in the hands of the right adult. Beautiful book design and exquisite use of Andrews' work.
February 25, 2015
The whole time I was reading this, I was thinking, I'm not crazy about the art, but I like the story. And then, Oops, the art is done by the guy the book's about. I guess I'm the uncultured clod. But you know what? I still don't like the art.
July 11, 2015
A picture book biography of the highly acclaimed African-American artist, Benny Andrews. Known as the "people's painter," Andrews is recognized as much for his activism in social causes as his paintings. The use of Andrews' illustrations add much to the narrative.
December 13, 2015
The text is informational, narrative, style, but I was most taken with the illustrations, done by Benny Andrews himself. The author matched each piece to her text.
Backmatter includes a photo of him, more info about him, resources, and a timeline.
Backmatter includes a photo of him, more info about him, resources, and a timeline.
August 13, 2017
A well-presented biography about an accomplished artist that I'd never heard of, illustrated by the artist. This was an unexpected twist and I have to say that I quite enjoyed it. A good addition to any library's biography collection. Well done.
February 12, 2019
This is a great book that helps to open the world of biographies. I still love hearing about characters who helped change the world, even if they did not make waves in the press. This was a great relating of Mr. Andrews story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews