This fascinating biography of turn-of-the-century artist George Bellows highlights his artwork and photographs of bustling New York City with lively, engaging text. List of “Where to See Works By George Bellows,” Bibliography, Illustration Credits, Index.

I liked this book for three reasons. The story is about a famous American artist named George Bellows. Instead of creating illustrations to go with the book, the author uses George Bellow’s paintings and sketches. I found this to be an excellent way to illustrate the book. This biographical account is enhanced by the use of the main subject’s own paintings which allow the reader to connect with the story. The paintings include renditions of the artist’s wife and daughter making his family life more authentic.

Photos of George Bellows are also used adding to the depth of his character. Pictures of George Bellows playing baseball in high school lend a certain humanity to this famous artist. The paintings and photos help the reader get into the mind of the protagonist. I also liked that the illustrations let the reader see famous paintings from art history, which adds to the cultural experience gained from reading the book.

The language used was descriptive and difficult. The book is written at an elementary school age level and I think the language challenges the reader to develop his or her vocabulary. Words like “façade,” “tenement,” “disperses,” and “daubs” add richness to the story while expanding word knowledge. The language also evokes beautiful imagery to accompany the paintings seen in lines such as “Rusty fire escapes zigzag down the buildings’ peeling sides.” Other lines describe smells and sounds that make the art and story come alive.

Finally, I liked the content of the book. I thought that the use of a famous American artist in a biography was compelling, especially because this artist challenged social conceptions. The book is not merely about an artist and his work but about the social ramifications of his paintings. George Bellows painted the seedier side of life in New York City in the early 20th century. One of the sketches in the book is of three homeless men digging through trash for something to eat.

Several times, the author describes how George Bellows wasn’t afraid to use taboo subjects from everyday life as his inspiration. The author also includes George Bellows socialist political views. In many ways, how the content is presented makes the book, as much a story about history as art. I felt that the content also included social commentary that broadens the reader’s perspectives.

The big idea of the book was “having faith in yourself”. George Bellows dropped out of college to become an artist and eventually became able to support his family with his paintings. In the beginning of his life and career, very few people believed in him. He started by sketching everyday life and ended up an important part of American art history. George Bellows had faith in himself and his abilities. He became successful because of his perseverance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and its central message.

A great introduction to an artist from the "Ashcan School" who unfortunately died very young. Bellows preferred to depict on canvas gritty scenes that reflected early-20th-century New York City at its most real. Excellent reproductions of Bellows' work. ( )

New York City painter George Bellows (1882-1925) was a member of what became known as the Ashcan School of painting because

"he is among a group of artists who focus on the less romantic parts of the city, like bars, train stations, movie theaters, and alleyways.”

He was taught by the well-known, Robert Henri, who encouraged his students to seek out scenes worthy of being painted.

"George listens, looks, and learns. He sees that painting can be a great adventure. He becomes what Henri calls a "sketch hunter." When not in class, George wanders the streets, looking for new or different scenes to paint. Excited, alert, he feels his life is beginning in a completely new way.”

Eventually, he becomes best known for his paintings of boxing matches in New York City's "clubs," which were created by saloon owners to side-step the city's boxing ban.

More than a picture book biography, George Bellows: Painter with a Punch!, offers readers an insight into an era of early 20th century New York history that includes industrial growth, socialism, poverty and the immigrant experience as well as the birth of a movement toward realism in American paintings. Not just a painter, Bellows was also a sketch artist whose work appeared in Harper's Weekly and other publications. An affable man with a loving wife and family, his story is inspiring and informative.

Burleigh's briskly moving prose is accompanied by photos of Bellows (he was a promising baseball player when young) and more than twenty large spreads of his paintings and sketches.

The National Gallery of Art is featuring a George Bellows Exhibition from June 10 - October 8, 2012.

Best for older readers, art teachers, aspiring artists, and those with an interest in the history of New York City and the historical significance of art in boxing. Though neither a student of art nor a boxing aficionado, I love this book!

more at http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com ( )