Books in Brush with Greatness series

What do candles, broccoli stalks, and dolls have in common? They were all tools the painter Thomas Gainsborough used! Gainsborough painted quickly and with pizzazz. Some of his brushes were as long as his arm. He used more blue than any other artist at the time. Gainsborough painted dozens of people, but he preferred to paint places outside. Even when he wasn't outdoors, he studied how light casts shadows. He noticed the light on folds of fabric and in fields of cows. Then he used his brush to capture the light for others to enjoy--for centuries to come.

Matteo could not believe it when he was asked to come and meet the famous artist Goya. Because the young boy had learned how to speak with his hands, he could help the great artist communicate th others. Follow Matteo as he talks to Goya, learns about the man's art, and even becomes the focus of an unexpected portrait. And prepare to meet one of the most talented, haunted, and creative painters in history.

Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) was a famous painter who lived in France. Imagine what it would have been like to know him. What was his studio like? How did he paint his masterpieces? In this story, ten-year-old Belle helps Cézanne at his home studio. She carries his supplies, so she gets to see his artwork and watch him paint. She also gets to hear his stories about being an artist. She thinks he is the best artist ever. After his art show in Paris, will anyone else think so too?

What does a messy workshop, the color blue, and apple pie have to do with each other? They are the ways that the great Jan Vermeer created his paintings! Take a step into his workshop and see which masterpiece he's working on now. He'll show you how he creates blue paint from precious stones. Vermeer is a mystery, but through the boy who brings him apple pies, we'll get to see the man behind the mystery!

Gabriel is already nervous-he has a new job at the train station. He has to keep the platforms free of dust and dirt. Just imagine how he feels when he finds out he has to sweep next to the famous artist Claude Monet! By watching and talking with the artist, Gabriel finds out more than just how to do his job. He discovers how to see his city and his world through the eyes of a master painter. His life will never be the same.

From Raphael to Pablo Picasso to Georgia O'Keeffe, the story of painting involves many artists ... and spans many centuries. Brushes with Greatness explores this story by spotlighting four distinct painting genres, discussing why each began, how its focus has changed over time, and the status it has in the modern world of art. Each beautiful book looks closely at some of the greatest works ever created and explains the evolution of artistic techniques, providing a one-of-a-kind celebration of the human experience in paint.

Journey back in time to 1503 in Florence, Italy, where ten year-old Bartolomeo del Giocondo introduces his master, Leonardo da Vinci. This Renaissance genius was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and, according to his young apprentice, sometimes a bit of a noodle. Little does Bartolomeo know that his family is going to be part of one of the greatest works of art ever created.

Journey back to seventeenth-century Holland with Mariska. She'll walk along brick streets. She'll see lights flicker on the canals. She'll watch windmills spin in the breeze. Then, she'll take an art lesson from the famous artist Rembrandt. Along the way, she'll also get to fi nd out about Rembrandt's life and art. What would it have been like to know Rembrandt? This story will help you imagine just that!

From Raphael to Pablo Picasso to Georgia O'Keeffe, the story of painting involves many artists ... and spans many centuries. Brushes with Greatness explores this story by spotlighting four distinct painting genres, discussing why each began, how its focus has changed over time, and the status it has in the modern world of art. Each beautiful book looks closely at some of the greatest works ever created and explains the evolution of artistic techniques, providing a one-of-a-kind celebration of the human experience in paint.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet a famous artist? This story lets you do just that! Follow Leo, a boy from France, who gets to help the famous artist Renoir. You'll get to see the special way that Renoir painted later in his life. You'll also get to meet his wife and see the paintings in his home. Come on inside--an artistic adventure awaits you!