Art Lab for Kids 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing Painting Printmaking Paper and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of

I am a homeschool parent and I love doing art with the kids, but usually my projects are haphazard and too much time in between. This book has been an awesome way to learn some new techniques and try projects we've never done before. We are just going through chapter by chapter, which helps me to stay organized! My boys, 10 and 7, are really enjoying it a lot. I highly recommend it! Read more

I used this book for project ideas and as a guide when teaching an art elective to elementary school students ages 9-11. It's filled with unique projects that are based in real art techniques and styles, making it an incredible teaching tool. As a former music teacher in the public schools, I can greatly appreciate the organization and layout of this book -- very easy to navigate and follow. Each project is presented in lesson plan format, including materials needed, how to present the project, stepped-out instructions with demonstrative photos, and a list of ways to go further with the project. Beautiful art examples are given from a variety of artists, both professional and inspiring young student artists. You'll find tons of ideas for drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media! The kids I worked with LOVED the string painting project! There are lots of crafty books out there for kids which are great, but what sets this book apart is that it truly teaches ART to kids! I recommend this book to anyone who teaches art to kids, caregivers looking for ways to include art in their child's life, adults who are budding artists, classroom teachers, daycare providers, and activity coordinators for people of all ages. Fantastic book! Read more

A great resource whether you are a mum or an art teacher. The book is divided into sections dealing with different art techniques ie. Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper and Mixed Media. This means it is easy to get your resource materials together which is always a plus if you are busy. The book is well laid out, instructions are clear and there are many good illustrations and photos. There are also photos of both adult's and children's work of the same technique, which I found useful. There is a section after each technique called meet the artist, which showcases the adult version of the technique. I would definitely recommend this book if you are short on ideas and want to get to some quickly. Read more

Looking to homeschool the kids next year I was trying to find something to fill the art gap. I love all aspects of art, but when it comes to getting my kids involved it can be somewhat challenging to say the least. Already owning the Mixed Media lab book and using a few lessons with our summer camp last year, I was excited to find this book at the library so I could check it out first. The Lab Series is great on so many levels. It gives lists of supplies that are recommended, and then reminds you that if you're lacking specific materials, just start with what you have and build your stash slowly. Teaching well rounded art to my kids is important, and alone I was afraid that I would make things too difficult, or (gasp) boring for them. This is a great starting point. So much so that I didn't return it to the library until they told me I couldn't keep renewing it.... so I bought it. As with all Lab books I have encountered, all the exercises are seperate from each other. Yes, they have themed units, (such as Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media) but you can skip things you don't have supplies for, or aren't in the mood to do, and still be able to pull off a successful experience. As my children are in the 7-12 age range, this book will work well for us. Each lab is based on a different artist's style, so some art appreciation will be had as you talk about the original master, and may even be interested to do more research on your favorites. Different mediums are used as stated before, so you are able to dabble in different forms and get your feet wet without the need for perfection. One of my favorite labs has to be #13- painting like a fauvist. There is no way to make a perfect picture when you have to do the whole thing in shades of green or blue... helps us not be too intimidated and take art so seriously when our picture looks like the Wicked Witch when it's over. I highly recommend this book, and all books from the Lab Series. Read more

Art Lab for Kids is a wealth of material for the reader. This book gives lots of instruction and background techniques for using easy to find, everyday and repurposed materials as art supplies. While the book is geared towards teaching art to children, the concepts can be applied to any age - from child to adult. Concepts such as drawing, printmaking, negative space/images, color theory, using various mediums and respect for materials are all addressed. There are many concepts addressed in the book and if followed will give children a broad range of experiences. The instructions are clear and the pictures are vivid. The author includes artwork by famous and not-so famous artists, demonstrating further appreciation of artwork. I bought the kindle version and then the paper copy for a gift for my niece and nephew. I would recommend it as a valuable resource for families and libraries. Read more

This book has some great concepts and includes many creative projects for kids. I actually love the content. The opening pages describe materials and offer helpful tips for setting up an art area. Then there are many detailed lessons for different types of art techniques. I wanted to give it a five star review. But after struggling to read it for the last hour I have decided it is just too hard to make out the print. It is tiny and faint. The illustrations are adequate but not bright. The book is cheaply printed and it makes it difficult to use. Perhaps it keeps the price down, but it really impairs the usability. Read more