Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Volume 1)

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!

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.

Very nice book. I bought it used and it looks brand new! Its just a little too advanced for my 8 yr old daughter who is already an amazing artist. However with me helping her understand it, the techniques in the book will most certainly help her advance even further. It explains how to use watercolors, oil pastels and other mediums which is nice since, although she likes to use these, she has no idea how to use them correctly. With this book that will no longer be an issue! At the used book price of only about $5 (including shipping) it was a GREAT purchase that I am very happy with!!

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!

The book is beautifully laid out in an easy to follow format. Each project has a materials list, then step by step directions, and nice photos. The book is great for parents to use as a guide to do and teach art projects to kids, especially parents with little or no art experience. Older kids that can read would do fine independently on the projects or with minimal help, and younger kids are able to do the projects with some help from someone who can read. I like that the book can be used as a jumping off point since it teaches many different art techniques with various materials, so if the child completes a project he/she will be able to essentially repeat the project by just coming up with a different theme/subject. Overall, great book that is easy to use, covers some interesting art techniques, and great for a parent to have on hand when their kids are looking for something to do.

I bought this for middle school homeschooler thinking it would give us some ideas for art class. After I received it and looked through I just didn't think we could use it without copying what they were doing. My idea of an art class should be more creative and open ended. It has AMAZING photos of the materials and the art projects they have in the book. Just not what I wanted for art class. If you were teaching a class about different art genres and how to use different art material (charcoal, pencil, watercolors etc) and you wanted the class to all make the same picture I could see where this would benefit your students and help you teach. Good book but not for us.

Es una publicación muy interesante para trabajar el arte con niños. Lo recomiendo.

This is a really excellent book. I've been using it with my children this summer to bring more art into our lives. They range from age 4-13, and everyone participates and enjoys it. This is not a book with detailed instructions for each medium, but gives nice projects to introduce kids to a variety of mediums with some suggestions on how to accomplish it. Because I have some art background I will sometimes give more detailed suggestions for method. I actually like that it isn't too detailed, for it allows for a freedom of expression without being bogged down by form. I have been blown away with my kids' finished pieces. I am using this book as an outline for my own art class, and we haven't actually used any other material yet. We've completed four projects and I think we will use most of the lessons in the book. (I'm less interested in things like the printing lessons, but that has to do with my own interest and ability to set it up for four kids at my kitchen table) this book likely works best when the process is explained for younger children. My 11 and 13 year Olds could follow it on their own, but my 7 year old may hesitate and benefits from a real life, real time example.

Libro in inglese su laboratori artistici per bambini della scuola primaria e magari primi anni delle medie. Corredato di foto e spiegazioni, mini-manuale su 52 opere da laboratorio. Lo consiglio, mi sembra ottimo

Fun activities for kids... Without much hassles of extravagant materials...beautiful results in the end...

Utilizo muchas de sus ideas para mi clase de arte y manualidades. Está bien explicado porque no sólo dice cómo hacerlo, también pone en situación cada proyecto, explica por qué es bueno que lo hagan, etc.