Here are a few of my books for adults:
How To Survive Modern Art
Modern art can be very confusing. Published by Tate Publishing, this book is an accessible, fully illustrated introduction to the origins and developments of modern art; from Impressionism to the Harlem Renaissance, from Cézanne to Computer art. Beautifully designed, it has clear sections explaining how to look at modern art and what to consider, with sections that cover the main movements and artists as well as introductions to modern art's major themes.
"...This guide to understanding art in the modern world gives tips on how to look at it and how to follow your own instinct. Ms. Hodge, who has written numerous books on art and design and once worked for the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency, traces art movements from the turn of the 20th century to today's Internet creations. Her texts are a lesson in clarity; and a load of illustrations provides plenty of color…"
Wall Street Journal, 8 January 2010
The Great Artists
Introducing 100 of the world's greatest artists, from the thirteenth century to the 1960s, focusing on their lives, works, ideas, influences, development, contributions, legacies and more, this book is suitable for those with or without prior knowledge on the subject. Accessible and beautifully illustrated throughout, the artists include: Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Botticelli, Rubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Kandinsky, Whistler, Homer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Picasso, Rivera, O'Keeffe, Raphael, Canaletto, Rossetti, de Hooch, van der Weyden, van Gogh, Warhol, Delacroix, Millet, Malevich, Vermeer, Courbet, Titian, Rodin, Bellini, Matisse, Ingres, David and many more. Buy it now.
Monet
This is a thorough review of the life of Claude Monet and the development of his artistic talents throughout his life. Over 500 reproductions are accompanied by an analysis of each painting and its significance within the context of Monet's life and work, offering detail on his individual paintings as well as a deepened understanding of his technique and growth as an artist. This enriching book is an essential volume for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating and ground-breaking artist and to study his greatest works in one beautiful collection. Buy it now.
How to Draw Dogs
This introduction to drawing dogs completely demystifies the drawing process. It shows how images can be built up easily, from initial geometric shapes right through to the finished animals. Including a good selection of popular breeds this demonstrates a simple two-colour method that clearly shows every line and curve of the step-by-step pictures. Even absolute beginners will be able to produce great drawings from this book and there is much to inspire more experienced artists too. It is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in this subject. Buy it now.
The Complete Guide to Painting Pictures from Photos
This is a comprehensive guide for all artists who want to use photography to inspire and inform their work. It demonstrates the photographic skills required to use a camera as a sketchbook to gather information for your work. It takes you through the process of working from photographs, creating effective compositions and developing this to finished paintings. Six step-by-step demonstrations track paintings from initial photograph to finished artwork. This guide offers invaluable guidance on composing and painting images in watercolour, acrylic, coloured pencils, pastels and oil, making it perfect for artists of all skill levels. Buy it now.
Resources for Teaching History 14-16
Containing nearly 80 lessons, from Trench Warfare to the Holocaust, this book offers support for the busy teacher at GCSE. Featuring lesson plans, activities and teaching strategies that follow the latest research and best practice, it is user-friendly and includes strategies to engage and inspire students of all levels and abilities. Including objectives, homework, internet resources, timeframes, materials required and motivational suggestions, it will appeal to both NQTs and experienced teachers alike. Pre-order now.
Resources for Teaching History 11-14
This book includes nearly 80 ready-to-use lesson plans. Designed to assist busy teachers in providing lessons that meet National Curriculum requirements for KS3 History, this book features activities and teaching strategies based on the latest research and best practice. The practical, task-based activities are aimed at promoting pupils' enjoyment of the subject; encouraging their curiosity and imagination and helping them to develop enquiring minds and engage with the past. It providies aims and objectives of each lesson; materials required; a lesson starter; main lesson plan and plenary; suggested timeframes; homework ideas and guidance on how to adapt the activities to make them harder for gifted and talented or easier for less able pupils. Photocopiable or downloadable student worksheets correspond to the teacher's lesson plans. Pre-order now.
How to Paint like the Impressionists
People have long sought to understand how and why the Impressionists created their paintings and how their techniques might be replicated. This book reveals the answers to these questions by assessing the techniques and styles of the great masters of Impressionism and shows how artists today can use their methods. An informative introduction explains how the Impressionist movement came about, explores its historical context, and defines the style and inspiration of the artists involved. The heart of the book, however, focuses on eight major Impressionist painters: Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, Cezanne, Seurat and Van Gogh, revealing how they worked and analysing their well-known paintings. Each case includes step-by-step demonstrations that show the reader exactly how to re-create Impressionist painting details in appropriate style. Buy it now.
Art & Design Teacher's Handbook
The ultimate art and design teacher's handbook, whether you are a new or experienced art teacher, this book gives guidance on planning lessons, inspiring creativity and imagination in pupils and getting great results. This comprehensive handbook provides art teachers with practical advice on: planning effective lessons; developing imaginative ideas for teaching art across the age ranges; developing students' creative, technical and critical skills and preparing students for coursework and exams. Buy it now.
(Recommended by the Times Educational Supplement, May 2010)
How to Draw Portraits
Beginners will be amazed at what they can achieve by following the progressive series of demonstrations and learning from the tips, tricks and knowledge of the experienced artist. Buy it now.
How to Draw Animals
This book covers all of the basic techniques necessary to draw animals successfully - tone, solidity, shape, character, expression and movement - and these are just a few of the topics covered. The 10 demonstrations use a variety of media and concentrate on various aspects of drawing animals including features and proportions, shape, character and personality, creating the look of fur, capturing movement and foreshortening. Animals featured include cats, dogs, kittens, puppies, rabbits, pigs, squirrels and ponies. Buy it now.
How to Draw People
Drawing people is generally considered one of the most difficult subjects to draw. There is so much to think about: proportion, posture and balance, how to make clothes look convincing and how to capture other elusive qualities that give figure drawings life and likeness. This book shows you all you need to know and you will be amazed at what you can achieve. With a little practice and patience you will achieve instant results and find that drawing people is one of the most rewarding subjects. Buy it now.
The Secret History of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar were the most powerful military religious order of the Middle Ages, originally formed from nine comrades in 1118 to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Sworn to poverty, chastity and obedience, they rapidly gained wealth, lands and influence, swearing allegiance only to the Pope himself. This book covers the fascinating history and mysteries surrounding the Templars. It charts their rise and influence, followed by their changing fortunes resulting in the loss of Jerusalem, the fall of Acre and the tragic destruction of the order by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France. The book investigates the speculations and myths of these legendary knights in a period that lasted only 200 years, but still holds fascination some 900 years later. It considers controversial claims and conspiracies surrounding the Knights Templar and makes informed opinions about likely truths behind them. It also makes links with the Turin Shroud, the Ark of Covenant, the Skull of Sidon, Freemasonry and other mysteries that have passed down the centuries. It shows the historical legacy of the Templars today and how they have influenced modern ways of life and modern organisations. Buy it now.
Period Living and Traditional Homes Escapes
Written with five other authors, this book is a combination of travel guide and style file which presents the means of escape to the wonders of another age. It is aimed at those who love travelling Britain to explore country houses and stately homes, or at a dedicated follower of historical architecture and style. It contains 500 illustrations and regional maps. Buy it now.
Best Grades at GCSE Art and Design
Photocopiable book designed to help teachers help their GCSE Art and Design students to attain high grades - newly updated for 2010. Buy it now.
