Looking at Pictures: An introduction to art for young people through the National Gallery Collection by Joy Richardson
This is a young person's guide to art. Written in a very accessible way, it discusses art history, techniques and subject matter as seen through the paintings in the National Gallery's collection. Subjects covered include: hidden meanings - symbols and clues, light and atmosphere, portraits, landscapes, telling stories, composition and the use of colour. The work of artists such as Goya, Monet, Vermeer and Reynolds abound throughout the pages. Filled with jolly cartoons and wonderful images, this is the ideal children's (ages 9+) introduction to the wonderful world of Western art.