georgia okeeffe the wildness and the wonder of her world

by Beverly Gherman

A biography of the American artist, beginning with her early fascination with color and light, the struggle for recognition in a man's field, her relationship with Alfred Stieglitz, and the final glory of her New Mexico years.

Genres: Biography, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1986

About the author

BEVERLY GHERMAN has previously written children's biographies of Georgia O'Keeffe, Agnes de Mille, Sandra Day O'Connor, E.B. White, Wilhelm Röntgen, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Norman Rockwell. She lives in San Francisco, California.

Reviews

[SuZanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good little book for younger people who want to learn more about the early years of Georgia O'Keeffe. However, it is not a new publication. In fact, ironically, it was published the same year O'Keeffe died, making it a bit dated while the artist remains timeless. It takes the reader through O'Keefe's childhood and teen years in various states from Wisconsin to Texas to New York. It explains her early love of art and how she pushed through financial austerity (at times) and patriarchy and the expectation that women only "teach" art not become "real" artists. It does identify teachers who encouraged her and, of course, her meeting of, encouragement by and eventual marriage to Arthur Stieglitz, who staged her first shows and supported her work throughout his life. There are some interesting quotes from letters to and from O'Keeffe. Sadly, only the cover has any of her work in color. That is a real drawback, since, as we know, her paintings were so vibrantly colorful. Still, it's a nice short read about one of the great modern painters of the last century.

[Kallista · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is very much just the basics of her life and career. In the beginning it was a slow introduction and by the end of the book the details of her life were quickly thrown in. As someone who knew nothing about Georgia O’Keefe prior, I now at least have an introduction to what occurred in her career and what inspired her artistic choices. Overall, it seemed to brief but it was a nice glimpse into her life.

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short enough and covers the basics, but not very satisfying. The early chapters are oddly leisurely compared to the last few chapters, which feel rushed. It might do for a middle-schoolers' first introduction to O'Keeffe but there are better.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Really.

For younger readers...& I learned a lot about Georgia O’Keefe, whom I already love.

I love her more now.

O’Keefe’s continued & considerable insistence upon protecting her time to paint & securing her independence are models for what I hope to attain myself.

Her preclivity to be aware that much distracts us from our art & true work resonates deeply for me as well.

Will be reading a lot more about Ms. Georgia.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cursory look at O'Keeffe's life is quickly read. With a straightforward tone and simplistic style, the author only conveys emotion in the introduction and closing of the biography. Good for children who want a basic introduction to the artist, this short text leaves the reader with many more questions about O'Keeffe's life and art. And, while there are photographs of her art reprinted in the book, they are melt in black and white,a shame when the artist was known for her brilliant color.

[Babs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was in the children's biography section of the local library. It was not loaded with details but enough information to give children a sense of O'Keeffe.