I love art…musuems, galleries, art projects, you get it.  Although our local elementary school has a strong art program and my boys occasionally come home talking about Mondrian lines or Arcimboldo, I still feel a need to supplement their once-a-week sessions at school.    I love the concept of the book “A Year in Art” by Christiane Weidemann.   Every day there is a new picture or activity to look at with your child.  It only takes five minutes but they gain an understanding of masterpieces, artists and most importantly, how something appeals to them – a vocabulary to discuss artistic works.   Since my kids are not as interested in busting out the paints or creating masterpieces, talking about a picture for a few minutes a day has helped them create their own art world.  Who knows what they’re secretly filing away for future projects – maybe I’ll even start to see something that doesn’t have a pirate, a castle or a rocket ship in it and if I’m absolutely honest, there are far too many weapons in their current artwork.  But it’s their work and I can only let them express their inspirations.   What are your favorite art books?

A Year in Art