Best Selling Books by Susie Hodge

Enter an exciting world of extremes. The Extreme Habitats series focuses on four of Earths most challenging environments. Readers can explore some of the most fascinating habitats on the planet. Did you know that oceans cover more of Earth than land does? How do creatures survive in this underwater world? Ocean Survival explains how to stay out of trouble in this extreme habitat.

Examines the art of ancient Egypt, including wall painting, reliefs, buildings, and sculpture.

Presents instructions on drawing various animals, including penguins, sharks, and dogs.

Examines the art of prehistoric times, including painting, reliefs, sculpture, and pottery that has been found in Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas.

A travel guide with a difference: a combination of regional tour and style file which presents the means of escape to the wonders of another age. Aimed at those who love travelling Britain to explore country houses and stately homes, or at a dedicated follower of historical architecture and style, this delightful book contains 500 illustrations and regional maps.

"Presents the science behind celebrity photography including the history, techniques, and tools of the paparazzi"--Provided by publisher.

High-interest topics that make science exciting.

A thoughtful introduction to art and its interpretation for children, with a sense of humor Why is Art Full of Naked People? is an irreverent and informative primer that asks tricky questions about what makes art art. What is with all the fruit? Why is art so weird nowadays? There are questions about how art views the world, from cave paintings through to Cubism, from the Renaissance to contemporary art, questions about different genres, including still-life painting, landscapes and portraits, and questions about the role and value of art in the past and today. Artists ask questions when they make art and viewers ask questions when they look at art; this book provides an engaging way for young people to explore asking and answering questions for themselves. The book is structured around twenty-two questions, each one tackled over two spreads. Through this provocative approach it offers an introduction to art history and a toolkit to enable young people to feel confident asking questions, searching for answers, and “reading” art for themselves.

Secrets of the Knights Templar is the compelling chronicle of the warrior monks and their fight to defend the Catholic faith, and of their participation in the efforts to vie for control of the Holy Land with the Muslim armies of Kurdish military genius Saladin and his successors. Informally organized in 1119 to protect pilgrims on their journeys to visit the Holy Land, and officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church in 1129, the medieval Knights Templar grew into an elite fighting force that played a central role in the battles of the Crusades. They were highly trained, well equipped, and unafraid to take up the sword to defend the church at the limits of western civilization. Though Templar was initially celebrated for their military acumen and acts of bravery, the once-celebrated order was eventually dismantled in disgrace, accused of political crimes as well as crimes against the faith. With its concise, authoritative, and accessible narrative--amplified by extensive citations from contemporary sources, and accompanied by generously captioned and stunning images of the period--Secrets of the Knights Templar brings a distant era of history dramatically and vividly to life. It is the perfect gift for anyone with a love of medieval, religious, or military history. From the Hardcover edition.

This book explores Israel, a country in a state of political, economic and social transformation. It examines the benefits of change, as well as the challenges to traditional ways of life in an age of increasing globalization.

Key features: - High-interest topic - Content that supports the science curriculum - How plants, animals, and people adapt to extreme environments - Amazing facts about each environment - Survival Tips focus boxes - Maps, diagrams, and tables. Special Features: - Maps - Charts and Diagrams - Full-color labeled photographs - Focus boxes - Sources of further information

"Presents several types of poisons and poison delivery systems used throughout history, while using science to describe the effects that toxins have on the human body"--Provided by publisher.

An intriguing investigation into over 50 elusive artworks that were stolen and never recovered. Mona Lisa, Starry Night, Birth of Venus. People travel for hundreds of miles to observe these breathtaking paintings with their own eyes. Now discover the artworks that nobody can ever see… and the fascinating stories behind their disappearance. In this collection of daring heist stories, read about: Michelangelo’s Mask of a Faun Caravaggio’s Nativity Rembrandt’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Cézanne’s View of Auvers-sur-Oise Van Gogh’sThe Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book uncovers the mysteries surrounding the thefts of these valuable artworks and many more. Each fated work will be discussed to reveal why it, and the artist who made it, was significant. Gain a deeper appreciation for these artists, and the lasting impact they''ve had on the art world. This book also answers key questions about each missing piece, including: Why and how was it stolen? What attempts have been made to recover it? Leads, red herrings, and suspects. Whether you''re passionate about art or drawn to the thrill of solving mysteries, this book offers a compelling narrative that will keep you engaged from cover to cover. It''s a must-read for anyone curious about the intersection of art, crime, and history.

Examines the art of ancient Greece, including mosaics, pottery, sculpture, architechture, and paintings.

"Provides lesson ideas ... 80 curriculum-linked lessons suitable for teaching 11 to 14 year olds ... with teacher''s sheet"--Cover.

This title sets out to illustrate that drawing is not a special gift - everyone can draw - it''s just a question of knowing how. The author reveals easy ways to develop skills and achieve results, while showing how quickly children can understand how to make their pictures more effective.

Have fun making these amazing paper creations.You’ll find origami models plus puppets and pop-up greetings cards, boxes, a windmill and a picture frame. Get folding! * Includes everything you need. * Perfect projects for a rainy day. * Develop your creative skills.

Following on from her bestselling book How to Survive Modern Art, Susie Hodge once again tackles a dauntingly complex subject: how can we evaluate, explore and respond to art? With the power to affect us all, art can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its impact can be both straightforward and unexpected. It can change our minds or our attitudes, provoke anger or shock, or make us laugh or cry. It can intimidate, disconcert, pose conundrums or puzzles, or instruct or enlighten. Ultimately, it offers a window on society''s values and ideals, and every work of art expresses the perceptions and memories of the artist who created it. In her characteristically engaging style, Susie Hodge shows us how to interpret and respond to a broad variety of artwork and artists'' philosophies. This enormously stimulating book enriches our experience of art, and in the process enhances our own creativity.

Create effective portraits in a matter of minutes with this practical drawing guide, written by experienced art educator Susie Hodge. Producing portraits has always been considered an important skill for artists, so Just Draw! Faces in 15 Minutes explains the skills a budding artist needs so that you can try your hand at a variety of projects, all in easy, 15-minute periods. You''ll learn: • How to create quick sketches • How to convey age, tone and ethnicity • How to produce accurate features • The difference between drawing a person in profile and face-on With lots of projects to try your hand at, and no matter what your level of skill, this is the perfect way to improve or learn from scratch.

Impressionism has captured the imagination of people the world over since its first exhibition in Paris in 1874. People have long sought to understand how and why the Impressionists created their paintings and how their techniques might be replicated. Susie Hodge reveals the answers to these questions by assessing the techniques and styles of the great masters of Impressionism and showing 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 analyzing 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.

Acclaimed mixed-media artist Mike Bernard has been at the forefront of collage painting for decades and his work has a sought-after vitality. He brings his latest guidance, ideas and techniques on a subject about which he is passionate: coastal painting. From his home near the Devon coast, he and co author (art writer) Susie Hodge, cover all aspects of mixed media painting. From considering composition and looking for contrasts to reducing elements for greater impact (and even moving towards abstraction). From working with limited palettes to including imaginary colours to a painting. From collaging with torn magazines, tin foil, plastic, newsprint to combining inks, oil pastels, PVA, acrylic and watercolours. From playing with proportion to create mood to using thick and thin oils for effect. And, of course, how to capture the mood and atmosphere of coastal life, from quiet stretches to busy harbours around the world. The authors include several step-by-step projects to demonstrate techniques plus a series of experimental exercises helps the reader try something new. A masterclass from a popular artist with stunning artwork of coasts from around the globe.

New edition of Gustav Klimt in the popular Masterpieces of Art series. Gustav Klimt, well known for his sensual, arresting depictions of women (The Kiss, Fulfillment, The Tree of Life), was a founder of the Viennese Secession movement at the turn of the 20th century, Vienna''s own Art Nouveau. His extravagant work, was an obsessive manifestation of the dazzling intellectual society of his time and he painted very large canvases combining oils with gold foil. This beautiful new book brings together a wide selection of Klimt’s magnificent work.

An introduction to get kids drawing their favourite animals in minutes. With simple instructions children can learn to draw a variety of mammals, birds, bugs, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and dinosaurs.

Start drawing awesome animals in seconds! Each subject has simple instructions and step-by step illustrations to follow. # 15 animals to draw # Learn how to use color # Expert advice and tips # Animal gallery So, SKETCH AWAY!!!

Learn to draw 20 different, charming farm animals from scratch in a few easy steps. Learn how to draw all kinds of farm animals using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, Susie Hodge shows you how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of animals and birds including sheep, ponies, pigs and piglets, turkeys, hens, cows and ducks. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too.

Learn to draw 20 different, charming woodland animals from scratch in a few easy steps Learn how to draw all kinds of woodland animals using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, Susie Hodge shows you how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of animals and birds including rabbits, badgers, woodpeckers, wolves, squirrels and chipmunks. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too.

Showcasing the world-famous collection of paintings housed in London''s National Gallery, this engaging introductory guide provides a first look at art, as well as an unprecedented interactive experience through a free app that allows kids to create their own virtual gallery at home. Although it touches upon a wide range of works, the heart of the book focuses on the movements and artists of the Western European tradition between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries. Each spread is filled with glorious images of famous paintings and informative, bite-sized chunks of text that enhance understanding of each painting''s historical and cultural impact. "Did you know?" and "Art Lesson" feature boxes appear throughout to offer an extra level of information that includes art theory, fun facts, and projects.

Details the life and accomplishments of Leonardo da Vinci.

The Short Story of Modern Art explains the how, why and when of modern art – who introduced certain things, what they were, where they were produced, and why they matter. Simply constructed, the book explores 50 key works – from the realist painting of Courbet to a contemporary installation by Yayoi Kusama – and then links them to the most important movements, themes and techniques. Accessible, concise and richly illustrated, the book reveals the connections between different periods, artists and styles, giving readers a thorough understanding and broad enjoyment of modern art.

Easy-to-follow text introduce young readers to the life and work of twentieth-century artist Pablo Picasso.