Hokusai Picture Study Aid and Art Prints
This 24-page Picture Study Aid includes a brief biography of Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), a synopsis of seven of his works, printable versions of the pieces covered (or professionally printed versions are also available), and a brief discussion about Charlotte Mason’s ideas and methods for implementing picture study at different ages.
Parts of Hokusai’s oeuvre include graphic adult themes. Be sure to preview any books about him that you give to your children.
Hokusai: Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji
By Amelie Balcou
“Hokusai’s series depicting Mount Fuji is widely considered to be the pinnacle of his career. This beautiful boxed accordion-fold edition comprises the full set of forty-six prints (the original thirty-six and ten more that were completed later) and features a luxurious silken binding along with a separate explanatory booklet. The book and booklet are packaged in an elegant slipcase. Devoted entirely to landscapes, Hokusai’s series shows Mount Fuji from various viewpoints, framed in different ways. An indefatigable traveler who was passionate about nature, Hokusai explored every vantage point and season at the volcano.”
The Old Man Mad about Drawing: A Tale of Hokusai
By Francois Place
“An illustrated tribute to the master, Hokusai”. This is the fictional story of Tojiro, a young orphan living in Edo (Tokyo) who eventually becomes an apprentice to Hokusai. It explains blockprinting very well and includes many examples of Hokusai’s work. There is some content that may not be suitable for younger readers, so I recommend pre-reading this. Ages 9-14.
Hokusai: The Man Who Painted a Mountain
By Deborah Kogan Ray
“In her own glowing paintings and lucid text, Deborah Kogan Ray tells the fascinating life story of the Japanese artist Hokusai (1760-1849). He rose from poverty, taught himself to draw, became the promising pupil of a great master, and then defied tradition to become one of the most important and influential artists in the world. Ray’s paintings are rich with period and biographical detail. The endpapers show drawings from Hokusai’s sketchbooks. Also included is one of his famous Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” Ages 7-12.
Hokusai: He Saw the World in a Wave
By Susie Hodge
“In What the Artist Saw: Hokusai, meet groundbreaking Japanese artist Hokusai. Step into his life and learn what led him to create more than 30,000 works of art, including his famous woodcut views of The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Mount Fuji. Discover how he planned to live to 110 and even produced the first ever pieces of manga! Have a go at making your own printed artworks.” Ages 7-9.
Discovering Great Artists
By Maryann F. Kohl
“‘Discovering Great Artists’ has 75 great artists featured in 110 amazingly fun and unique quality art appreciation activities for children. They will experience the styles and techniques of the great masters, from the Renaissance to the Present. A brief biography of each artist is included with a fully illustrated, child-tested art activity, featuring painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, and more. Includes such greats as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Matisse, Pollock, and O’Keeffe. 1998 Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, 2002 Practical Homeschooling Reader Award. Full ‘click-to’ resource guide at Bright Ring’s website to show each artist’s most famous works.” Ages 3-12. (Includes one Hokusai project.)
