Imagine That!: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism

by Joyce Raimondo

The Art Explorers series offers a new approach to art! Written by experts in the field, it encourages kids to interpret what they see in famous artworks, then try the techniques themselves.
Imagine That!: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism , the first book in the series, draws children into the fantastic, imaginative world of surrealism by highlighting the work of six famous surrealist artists. For each artist, a color reproduction of his or her famous artwork is paired with questions to get kids thinking about what they see. A short paragraph explains the artist's intentions, and a bio gives children a peek at the person behind the art. Easy-to-follow activities then provide hands-on experience with the artist's techniques, subject, and media, each illustrated with examples by actual kids. Techniques include collage, watercolor painting, drip painting, drawing, frottage, watercolor resist painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more.



Features the Following Surrealist

• Salvador Dali

• René Magritte

• Max Ernst

• Joan Miró

• Meret Oppenheim

• Frida Kahlo






• Launch of new interactive art book series for kids called Art Explorers

• Features big-name artists that are consistent draws for kids and their parents

• Activities have been kid-tested and approved

• From the former family programs coordinator of New York's Museum of Modern Art

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for educators, art enthusiasts and kids (ranging from 6-16) talks about surrealism in art in a simple easy-to-understand way and features famed artists Like Frida Kahlo and Dali

-Activities include Dali-Dreamscape Collage, Collage Faces, Imaginary Trip
-Magritte-Dream House Collage, fantasy in the sky
-Ernest-3 part folded person, Decal comania, frottage/rubbing art discovery
-Miro-line draw creatures, night sky creatures, collagraph print, fantasy clay creatures
-Oppenheim-recycled food fantasy, a treasure box, a portrait box
-Kahlo-drawing memories, memory collage, or a me and my world collage

Each of these art books also can be easily recognized based on difficulty of the project or even subject that they are catered towards older art learners.

[Tracee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly think this should be on every grade schooler’s required reading - it would certainly open the mind and hopefully inspire creativity.

[Charlotte Dungan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that the artist biographies and pictures of their artwork are thin but that was easily remedied by a trip to the library. Biographies are a dime a dozen and can be adjusted up or down in terms of maturity and reading ability. The real strength of this book is the selection of projects. They are varied and include both written and artwork of many different types. I liked the look of this book before we started but the true nature of the book really sparkled once my kids started making their own creations. Highly recommended.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK book -- I think it's more for teachers (art projects) than what they have regarding artists (only 1 painting per artist.) Personally I don't think of Frida Kahlo as a surrealist artist.