Animals in Art: Art History - Video Recording Review

Arts & Activities, Nov, 2002 by Barbara Herberholz

Video with guide/40 min./$49.95. Level: Grades 3-8. Wilton Art Programs, Reading & O'Reilly, Inc., P.O. Box 646, Botsford, CT 06404, (800) 458-4274.

This video is conveniently divided into viewing segments, each with a variety of art--paintings, drawings and prints--along with information about the artists whose works are featured. The commentary is excellent and background music enhances the viewing. The first lesson features bovines with many whimsical views of cows. The second lesson, called "Oh, Deer!" shows viewers similarities and differences in realistic drawings and more abstract works. Artists in this section include Durer, Homer and Kokoschka. The third lesson shows fascinating "Creatures in Camouflage," with works by Marc, Walch and Doolittle. The last lesson, "Feathers, Fins and Fur," shows viewers works by Hicks, Audubon, Klee and others, as well as introduces the concepts of metamorphosis, dreams and fantasy. Comments and questions throughout the video encourage student interaction. The video closes by encouraging students to look for birds in their own environment as subjects for painting. The guide includes written biographies of selected artists as well as a glossary and basic art information. For information about this program, circle No. 389 on the Reader Service Card.