The Mind of the Artist speaks for itself; and really requires no word of introduction. These opinions as a whole; seem to me to have a harmony and consistency; and to announce clearly that the directing impulse must be a desire for expression; that art is a language; and that the thing to be said is of more importance than the manner of saying it. This desire for expression is the driving-force of the artist; it informs; controls; and animates his method of working; it governs the hand and eye. That figures should give the impression of life and spontaneity; that the sun should shine; trees move in the wind; and nature be felt and represented as a living thingmdash;this is the firm ground in art; and in those who have this feeling every effort will; consciously or unconsciously; lead towards its realisation. It should be the starting-point of the student. It does not absolve him from the need of taking the utmost pains; from making the most searching study of his model; rather it impels him; in the examination of whatever he feels called on to represent; to look for the vital and necessary things: and the artist will carry his work to the utmost degree of completion possible to him; in the desire to get at the heart of his theme.
#1475052 in eBooks 2015-05-19 2015-05-19File Name: B00YE697GE
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. excellent book from wonderful womanBy LMSLiving near Susan Striker; I have had the opportunity to meet her on several occasions including having my oldest children (only at the time) participate in workshops with her. She is fabulous! The ideas in the book are easily incorporated and make a huge difference I think in inspiring children to work at their own level and enjoy the process. It has also helped me as a parent and home educator to feel more confident in guiding the process as well as selecting those rare excellent programs for children in art. Too many even "art schools" focus too much on the outcome or product. Doing it at home actually allows the children to be more of themselves. I also have personally witnessed the effects education wise on my children. My oldest is now 7 and reading at a junior high level. I followed this book and he was; on his own; writing his letters; name; etc at age 3 (well before his personal peer group) and I think this is because of the freedom giving to him in experimenting before then. His early markings were deemed valuable by us and so he kept wanting to do more and then copy us. I am purchasing another copy of this book for my sister and her just turning one year old son so they can enjoy art together as well.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The only comprehensive resource for art approach for preschool and belowBy Travel LoverIt changed my outlook so much that I would let my kid paint my car. (Am not bold enough for the walls yet). I also did not get frustrated when she wanted to do things her own way (paint my face or her doll instead of paper or just mix and transfer colors instead of painting or when she hated to be corrected - be it in scissors holding or art redirection. This book helped me understand her outlandish requests so much so that art has become a regular activity in our day initiated by the child. Wonderful resource.21 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Possibly the most important parenting book Ive come acrossBy smillaIf youre reading reviews of this book; youre probably a parent who is interested in ways to foster your childs creative development. This book has been a revelation for me; and I would highly recommend it to fellow parents of toddlers. For those of us with little to no art education; this book is a complete resource for guiding young children through their early years with the appropriate art materials and encouragement. Covering drawing; painting; sculpture and collage; the author explains the importance of free experimentation with the media; and cautions parents against interfering with the creative process in ways that many of us may mistakenly have considered "helpful". I agree with another reviewer; who states that this information may cause pangs of guilt in those of us who have made mistakes in this area. However; the author indicates that her sequencing of art activities that build on previous experiences can be started later in toddlerhood and still be effective. I have started to weave many of the ideas from the book into our daily lives; e.g.; greater availability/visibility of art materials; starting simply with black and white to focus on the drawing/painting process; encouragement with avoidance of judgemental commentary; and even borrowing and reading library books that support the concept at hand (be it color; or shape). After a couple of weeks; I have already noticed that my 2.5 year old twin boys are more interesting in working with the materials - we have a huge and growing pile of original artwork! Also; I feel much more confident as a parent in this area since I am working with the advice of a well-known art educator. Prior to this; I was getting ideas from "busy books"; that mostly covered crafts that would be largely done by me and be of little benefit to my children in any way. Also; in case this helps anybody who uses this books and seeks out art materials online; I had the best success with ClassroomDirect.com (I am not affiliated with them in any way!)
