The Young Artist

The story of Adrian the painting apprentice is one that children will need a little help understanding but that is what the guide to a young reader should do. The concept of being true to oneself might not be easily understood or specifically it's consequences. However, with a few comical, distorted faces the young learner will probably understand why some people objected to being painted as they are seen for portraits. This story is a lesson on following your own dream and being true to yourself no matter how great the resistance. The true beauty of this childs book is the delightful pictures that are like mini works of art recalling the Dutch masters. The lighting, the miniscule detail, the shading and brilliantly painted landscapes are geared more for the adult eyes appreciation but a youngster who is a budding artist will be enthralled with the wonderfully painted pictures. This is one of many beautiful childrens arts books that are written and illustrated by Mr Locker. All ages can enjoy the superb illustrations found in this book. Recomended for the young reader who has an eye for art or the parent or teacher who wants to promote a young artists vistas.

This beautiful picturebook is the story of an old Dutch artist's young apprentice, a boy who is so talented at such a young age that the king himself commissions him to come to court to paint a portrait of all the nobles.Adrian, the apprentice, has learned the art of capturing true likenesses on canvas, and it is for this that the king admires him so. But people don't often like to see their real faces, and when Adrian finishes the portrait the nobles and ladies of the court, they all gather to abuse him for "misrepresenting" them in image and they try to force him to change the portrait to be more flattering- and untruthful.The Young Artist is a wonderful story about artistic integrity and the meaning of success. It is accompanied by truly magical pictures, created by a man who is himself a master artist. I love the story, but Locker's paintings for his story are what make this book an enduring favorite of mine. I highly recommend that anyone interested in children's literature find and read this and anything else by Thomas Locker they can get their hands on!

In this book Thomas Locker has created a young artist, who must make the choices that will define his career. Locker uses these choice and their consequences to teach his readers a valuable lesson about success. Along with the enchanting story comes a series of pictures, the beauty of which is unrivaled in most story books today. Because of the quality both of the text and the illustrations, this is truely a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.