With the Impressionist Exhibition impressing people so much at the National Gallery of Victoria, this would be the perfect book to inspire a young artist.

Sally Swain has used the distinctive styles of 4 major artists to imagine the world through their eyes.  Renoir, Klee, Van Gogh and Rousseau each provide a painting which becomes a question.

For Renoir’s “The Umbrellas” we wonder about the girl with the hoop.  Does she want to play?  Yes she does!! And off she goes, rolling and tumbling through the pages into a glorious mud-fight.

Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” asks how far are the moon and stars, then swoops and swirls from a boy’s bedroom out into the sky and lights up the whole world.

The four styles balance each other beautifully because none of them dominates.  Each has its own section and we move smoothly between them, appreciating their differences and noticing the similarities.  This is obviously one of art teacher Swain’s intentions but just as important is asking those questions about the picture.  Why is it? What is that detail trying to do?  What do I think?

And that is the main point.  Don’t just look at it – think about it!

Review by David Beagley

© 2004 David Beagley