Modeling Illustrators

In Classical style, to become a successful writer, students learn by first modeling the style of great writers. In the same fashion, to become an accomplished artist, one learns by imitating the works of the masters. Today, we used this technique in our artwork, but by using great storybook illustrators as our models. I chose four books and handed them out to the kids with instructions to choose a picture and copy it as closely as possible.

I gave Do Monkeys Tweet? by Melanie Walsh to Little Brother...

I gave The Duchess Bakes a Cake by Virginia Kahl to Middle Brother...

Sister used Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina...

and Big Brother copied from Petunia by Roger Duvoisin...

Comments

[Tammy]

A lovely idea! We did treasure hunts in our illustrated books when my daughters were little(r). Now my kids notice the style of art in their big girl books. We try to figure out the medium as well. ~ Tammy

[Penelope]

What a great idea! I'm definitely going to harvest that one ;) Thanks for posting it. Oh, and what wonderful artists you have there!. Beautiful work!

[Kelly]

My, what artists, you have! Their drawings are amazing! I love it! I agree with kate, I am guilty of the same...this is a fabulous idea! Thank you for the continuing inspiration!

[Gina]

Haven't they done a fantastic job, beautiful pictures!

[kate]

What a cool idea. I get so wrapped up in encouaging my daughter to express her OWN ideas that I forget how valuable it can be to try to duplicate someone else's style. And there are just so many fabulous illustrators out there...off to the library I go! :)

Thanks for the idea!

[Wendy]

My daughter's last day of public school will be the day before Thanksgiving, after which I'll be homeschooling her.

Thanks for all your ideas. This one's great!