Customer Reviews

Here's Looking at Me: How Artists See Themselves (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures)

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"Here's Looking at Me:How Artists See Themselves" is one of clever Bob Raczka's books about art. In this one, he is asking the reader to look more closely at the way artists portray themselves. For example, he explains why Marc Chagall has seven fingers in his self-portrait, and why the window in Jacob Lawrence's self-portrait looks out on Harlem even though Lawrence is standing in his Seattle studio.The book is arranged chronologically, beginning with a portrait that Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) drew of himself when he was only fifteen and ending with two imaginative photographs that Cindy Sherman (1954-) shot of herself. Each artistic work is accompanied by an explanation that tells the reader something about the art work and something about the artist. Although this books like his other books was written for children, it is highly recommended for anyone of any age who enjoys art.

The way an artist presents him/herself in a self-portrait tells us a great deal about them. This book includes self-portraits of painters and photographers including Jacob Lawrence, MC Escher, Albrecht Durer, Norman Rockwell, Henri Rousseau, Cindy Sherman, Chuck Close, Vermeer, Goya, Velazquz and Artemesia Gentileschi. Facing each full page picture is a discussion of the portrait.

Ultimately the reader can ask themselves how they would present themselves in a self-portrait? Would you show just your head or your whole body? Would you dress in your fanciest clothes or would you wear your everyday duds? Where would you place yourself? Would you want anything in the picture with you?

This is a very engaging and accessible book for art teachers or anyone who wants to explore this most personal of art forms.

Once again Bob Raczka is inspiring readers to assemble their own collections of art. His book "Here's Looking at Me" introduces a gallery of portraits, painted in a great variety of styles. What is he trying to tell us with this particular selection?

The first, an interesting, very detailed sketch of Albrecht Durer, is thought to be the earliest self-portrait in existence. Raczka explains that the making of one's own portrait is an excellent way to practice drawing. Perhaps you have done this yourself? It reveals more than you might imagine - not only how great an artist you may be! Rembrandt is not included & he was a prolific painter of self-portraits but perhaps it wasn't as much for practice as "an ego thing"? His are particularly interesting because they give a vivid history of the aging of that great artist. Gustave Caillebotte's self-portrait is not one of Raczka's choices but is included in the truly charming children's book "My Summer in Caillebotte's Garden" (#2903824207), a favorite of mine. A casual, summery straw-hatted portrait, it is a special delight. Look for it on the internet.

On the flyleaf of Raczka's book, the author uses a sketch he made of himself. Junior High & High School students will have an absorbing time studying these paintings, and pondering some of Bob Raczka's questions which could spark many class discussions. The following artists he has featured interest me especially for that purpose: Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), M.C. Escher (1898-1972), Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000), Chuck Close (1940- ?), Cindy Sherman (1954- ?).

So go to it, whatever your age, and Reviewer mcHaiku will be making her choices right along with all of you.

I like this book for the way it shows kids that a self-portrait can be done in many, many different styles, with different surroundings, and different materials. The self-absorption of these creative minds comes through loud and clear: guard against that, kids.

The book includes self-portraits by these artists:

Albrecht Durer (sketch)
Sofonisba Anguissola
Artemisia Gentileschi
Diego Valezquez
Jan Vermeer
Francisco de Goya
Henri Rousseau
Vincent Van Gogh (same as cover)
Marc Chagall (seven fingers)
Norman Rockwell
M. C. Escher
Jacob Lawrence
Chuck Close
Cindy Sherman