Check out Rembrandt's works! Rembrandt created so many
masterpieces in his lifetime.  I wish I could have included hundreds of
them in my book. Take a minute these two personal favs. First, you'll
want to check out the
Night Watch. What's with the girl and the dead
chicken?  I also love this seashell print.  If you checked out the seashell,
go back and explore a few of the fabulous works of the
Rijksmuseum
Amesterdam.  Rembrandt told stories with his art, follow this link at The
National Gallery of Art (USA) to
Abraham and entertaining the angels.
For all the budding artists!  Follow these links to learn how to draw
dogs.  Be warned, once you start drawing cute pooches, it's hard to stop!
Here's a link to fun cartoon dog instructions.  Here's another link. Here
is a movie on how to draw dogs (hard). Here is another one (easy). Not
sure what kind of dog to draw?
Try the American Kennel Club site.
Copying pictures is great way to start but remember, you need to get out
there with a dog.  You have to look very closely. Think about the size of
the dog's ears when compared with its eyes. Think about the length of the
nose, ears and legs. Whoa, you've got lots to do.  Have fun.  Also check
out my
Dog Art Gallery. Perhaps you will want to add some art.
chi·a·ro·scu·ro   [kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh]  This is use of light and shade
to show feelings or share drama. Rembrandt is a master of chiaroscuro.
This is my stylized version of Rembrandt's "Three Trees." I love to play
with shading. It's basically getting a pencil and paper and thinking about
the dark and light spaces and forgetting about the lines.  
There are all
kinds of kits out there, but here is a link to one that is pretty reasonable
and should get you on the road of exploring light and shade for yourself.
My mom was an artist, and I dedicated this book to her
memory. She taught me to love art. My mom felt you
became a better person when you had the chance to see
one of Rembrandt's works. I will never forget her words:
"A photo is just an image of what is seen; Rembrandt saw
the soul and put that on the canvas. No one is ever going
to invent a camera that does that." Read my book,
Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs, follow these links,
but I'm telling you, nothing is like seeing a Rembrandt in
person. When you go see Rembrandt's work, take a sketch
pad. You will see more if you try to sketch what you are
looking at.
BUY THIS BOOK.
Other RESOURCES
Explore Rembrandt's House!  

I just love how you can look around the rooms virtually in this house.
Rembrandt's house is now a museum. Check it out.  

Here's a 17th century Dutch Doll House activity to try too. You might
have to download some software but this is really worth it! Too much
fun
!
Looking for a great book to introduce your young children to the
wonders of art?  
Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs is a
continuation of Barron’s Educational Series’ long running tradition of
beautiful, informative and entertaining art books. This story invites
children into an exploration of art and history by illuminating the work of
celebrated master artist, Rembrandt.

The rich pen-and-watercolor illustrations of this book are punctuated
with seven fine art reproductions, including Rembrandt’s renowned
etching "The Three Trees,”  humorous etching “Self Portrait in a Cap,”
several pen and ink sketches including the powerful “A Lion at Rest,”
and master paintings: “The Kitchen Maid” and the iconic portrait of the
artist’s son,  “Titus at His Desk.”

This heartwarming story transports young readers to the city of
Amsterdam in the 1650s. It is a time when world-renowned artist
Rembrandt van Rijn is at the height of fame among his patrons—and
when his young son Titus longs to imitate his father and become a
great painter. At first, Rembrandt rebuffs Titus’s attempts at drawing,
telling the boy he is too young to learn art. But gradually, the master
painter is won over by his son’s enthusiasm and persistence, and he
begins to teach a very happy Titus the basic techniques of drawing
from life. Here is a warmhearted story for children, with illustrations that
capture the atmosphere of seventeenth-century Holland and suggest
some of the genius that radiates from Rembrandt’s own magnificent
paintings.

After curling up for a cozy read with the moppets, go on an adventure
and check out local art museums.

About the Author
Molly Blaisdell is the author of Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs
and is a freelance writer who has published many articles and books for
the children’s educational market. She lives with her husband Tim in
Woodinville, Washington and has four wonderful children.  

About the Illustrator
Nancy Lane is a freelance illustrator and creator of artwork that ranges
from community murals, logos, and courtroom drawings to licensed T-
shirt designs, and children’s books.
www.nancylanestudio.com/

Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs (ISBN-13: 978-0764160974)
is available for $14.99 online at Amazon.com as an advance order and
will be available in June at major retailers, local bookstores, and the
publisher.

More information:
www.barronseduc.com
"The simple color illustrations bring to
life this thoughtful story about father-
son bonds, honing one's practice in a
chosen craft, and the (sometimes)
helpful efforts of man's best friend.
Highly recommended."
Midwest Book Review

"The story weaves the tale of Titus,
and how badly he wanted to paint just
like his father. His antics with his dogs
show Titus' strong desire to learn,
despite his father telling him he is too
young. Overtime, his persistence and
enthusiasm pay off. and his father
takes him on as an apprentice."
Curriculum Review, Sept. 1, 2008

"The neat thing about Blaisdell’s story
is that it teaches the story of
Rembrandt and about life in
Amsterdam in the 1600s while at the
same time imparting the lesson of
perseverance..."  
Julie Wallace, Lorain
County Moms

Barron's books have published a
magnificent picture book series for
children featuring famous authors.
Each book tells the story of one
particular artist (i.e., Picasso,
Rockwell, etc.) in a situation involving
children...For example, in the book
Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew
Dogs we are told the story of
Rembrandt's son, Titus, who
possessed certain artistic traits...
These stories are cleverly and
adorably told. In short, they make
history come alive.

5 Minutes For Books, Introducing
Famous Artists, October 14, 2008