Broad Strokes

March 6, 2017
In her entertaining and accessible debut, Quinn mixes biography, art history, and women’s studies to shed light on 16 women artists. As a college student assigned to read H.W. Janson’s History of Art, Quinn was disturbed to find no discussion of women artists in the first 500 pages; in total, only 16 women were listed as artists. A professor wryly noted to Quinn, “You’ve got the new edition! Our version didn’t have a single woman in it with her clothes on.” Covering the same number of women artists as appeared in Janson’s work, Quinn skillfully examines the lives of an eclectic group of artists and the treatment of their work over time, mixing in comments from art historians and her own personal anecdotes. The selection of artists dates back to the early 17th century (Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi), but the book focuses on major figures in contemporary American culture (e.g., Ruth Asawa, Kara Walker, Susan O’Malley). The color reproductions add to this book’s appeal, giving readers a chance to appreciate the artists’ work as well as Quinn’s upbeat writing. Color illus.

November 1, 2017

Adults and teens alike will appreciate this accessible title that highlights 15 European and U.S. female artists, from 1600 to the present, who haven't received the recognition of their male counterparts. Each chapter opens with a lovely portrait of the artist by Congdon and includes well-rendered reproductions of the subject's noted works. Many of these women died young yet accomplished a great deal. Only one living artist is featured-Kara Walker-but more than half worked during the 20th century. Reading this chatty book feels like taking a trip to a museum with a knowledgeable friend, and the lively anecdotes help the history unfold easily. VERDICT This beautiful volume will inspire artists and delight anyone interested in biographies or art.-Karlan Sick, formerly at New York Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.