First Book of Art

First Book of Art

Contents

Funny Animals

Family Tree

Jungle

Dragon

Family Tree

A family tree is a way of recording family relationships. This 600-year-old drawing shows the family tree of a French duke.

The duke lies at the bottom, with his relatives on te branches above him. The duke is biggest, to show he is most important.

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The Family Tree of Rene II, Duke of Lorraine(15th century), by an unknown artist

Jungle

In this painting, monkeys swing from trees and feast on bright oranges. The leafy background looks lush and inviting.

The artist, Henri Rousseau, had never been anywhere near a jungle - but he spent ages imagining what it might be like.

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Exocit Landscape (1910) by Henri Rousseau

You can create an imaginary jungle, like Rousseau, by inventing a wild bird and using real leaves.

3. Dot on a white eye with a black middle.

2. Make two handprints for the wings.

1. Paint a bird body and head. Add a long tail.

4. Dip a leaf in paint. Press it onto the paper.

5. Peel it off. Do the same with more leaves.

Funny animals

Cartoon animals usually have simple shapes, so they can be drawn over and over. Funny, exaggerated faces give them extra character.

This picture of a dog uses bright colour and bold outlines to grab your attention.

The artist, Andy Warhol, loved little dogs - which may be why he called this "You Are So Little".

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You Are So Little (1958) by Andy Warhol

Saint George and the Dragon

This painting was made over 500 years ago to illustrate a famous story about a dragon.

Look closely at the painting... notice the dragon's big, pointy teeth and claws. But the princess doesn't seem afraid - she has him tamely on a leash.

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Saint George and the Dragon (about 1470) by Paolo Uccello

Handprint dragon

Here's how to paint a dragon like the one Saint George had to fight. See how fierce you can make your dragon look.

3. Give him two legs and feet. Add a twisty tail.

2. Turn your paper. Paint the neck and head.

1. Make a row of prints with the front of your fist.

Dragons are usually DANGEROUS

4. For wings, add two overlapping handprints.

6. Use a pen to finish the face and add claws.

5. Dot on white eyes and teeth. Leave to dry.