Synopses & Reviews
This 48-page picture book tells the story of Chuck Close's life as an artist and his struggles -- from overcoming learning disabilities as a child to fighting paralysis as an adult. Close's monumental portraits, interpreted from photographs to reveal the fragments and wholeness of personality, are featured in collections around the world.
The publication of Chuck Close:, Up Close coincides with a major retrospective of Close's work, scheduled for 1998 at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.
Review
(This book) will make a lasting impression on readers, ages 9 and up. (Chicago Parent, August 1998)
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(An) intriguing portrait of a painter of portraits. (Parenting Magazine, December/January 1998/99)
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A profusely illustrated profile of the renowned contemporary portrait painter. (The Cincinnati Enquirer, September 29, 1998)
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The text is an appealing combination of biographical exposition and many Close quotations. (School Arts, September 1998)
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Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan have written an inspiring biography of Close. (New York Times Book Review, May 17, 1998)
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This is a strikingly well designed book, its text thoughtfully matched with color photographs of the artist and his canvases. Its clarity and poise make it one of the finest children's books this year. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 18, 1998)
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What makes the book so successful is the nearly archetypal way in which Close's life has informed his art, providing an easily-understood example of finding one's artistic voice. (Horn Book, May/June 1998 -- Starred Review)
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(A) beautiful and inspiring book. This ideal example of an artist biography not only provides readers and art lovers with insight into one artist's work, but -- thanks to abundant use of Close's articulate observations of his own creative process -- it inspires readers to consider the possibilities for their own creativity. (Publishers Weekly, March 9,1998 -- Starred Review)
Review
This fascinating biography gives us a glimpse at a master artists . . . The striking photographs of Close's larger-than-life paintings are so intriguing, readers of all ages will want to see the real thing. (American Bookseller, March 1998)
Review
Full of energy and spirit . . . A tantalizing introduction to both the person and the art, this will leave readers eager to find out more. (Booklist, March 15, 1998)
About the Author
Jan Greenberg is a writer, teacher, and art educator. She is also the author of many critically acclaimed books for young readers. She lives in St. Louis. Sandra Jordan is a writer, editor, and photographer. She and Jan Greenberg are the co-authors of The Painterís Eye: Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art, an ALA Notable Book and a School Library Journal Best Book. Jordan and Greenberg also collaborated on two companion books, The Sculptorís Eye: Looking at Contemporary American Art (also an ALA Notable Book) and The American Eye: Eleven Artists of the Twentieth Century, which was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Sandra Jordan lives in New York.