Hints for study and advanced analysis
Hints for study
- Write down the written text and examine this first (there are usually only 100 or so words in a picture book).
- Decide upon the tone and style of the text and write these down.
- Write down your expectations of what the illustrations will be like.
- While viewing the picture book think about how the illustrations have changed or added to the style of the written text.
- Write down how the tone has changed.
- As picture books are usually only 32 pages long you can easily re-read them many times.
- As you are re-reading the picture book, make a note of all the elements of design and how they contribute to the tone, meaning, characters, plot and themes of the picture book. You might like to use a table similar to this:
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Aspect |
Element of Design |
Description |
Effect |
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Design |
Shape and size of book |
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Front cover |
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Back cover |
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End papers |
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Front matter |
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End matter |
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Borders |
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Gutters |
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Motifs |
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Written Text |
Style |
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Size |
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Typeface |
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Colour |
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Layout |
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Illustrations |
Colour |
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Space |
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Perspective (angles and shots) |
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Texture |
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Layout |
- Make a note of the elements that have similar effects and any elements that do not seem to fit in with the overall design.
- Compare these effects with the overall effect.
- You should have a list of reasons for how the picture book has been constructed to create particular effects.
Advanced analysis: Artistic styles
Illustrators of picture books often illustrate according to particular styles. Illustrators choose artistic styles to suit the content, tone and mood of the picture book so as to successfully express characters, meanings and themes as well as to appeal to particular audiences.
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Style |
Description |
Effect |
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Abstract Art |
Objects are not realistically represented although they are usually still recognisable. |
The focus is on mood and tone rather than realistic representation. This tone will be achieved through the use of colour, texture and form. |
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Surrealism |
Commonly a mixture of juxtapositions (contrasts) of bizarre shapes and fanciful objects. Often highly detailed. Many symbolic images |
This form is often used as a technique to express bizarre, dream-like and fantastical worlds. |
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Expressionism |
The general structure of objects is retained. However, structural lines and details are exaggerated and distorted. |
The essence of objects is retained but it is the artist's emotions that are expressed through the distortion and exaggeration of particular details. |
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Cartoon Style |
Similar to the comic strips in newspapers or in The Simpsons, the illustrator does not attempt to make life like representations. Figures are two dimensional and impossibilities become possible. |
Usually, but not always, picture books illustrated in cartoon style are humorous or mocking. The lack of attention to detail instantly has the effect of making the work seem less serious. |
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Collage |
A collage is usually created by cutting out different media and placing it together in one place, usually in a jumbled fashion. |
This has a busy effect. Often, collages in picture books will have particular themes. The chosen media, for example, might be drawn from a character's bedroom in order to provide an insight into the life of the character. |
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Naïve Art |
As the name implies, this style is characterised by an untrained or childlike quality. There are few rules of line and little attention to detail. This style is usually accompanied by bright block colours. |
This simple style is often used for books for younger children. It is perhaps a style that younger children can empathise with. It can, however, also have the effect of a simplicity that might reflect a character's age or state of mind. This could suit the tone and theme of a picture book. |
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Impressionism |
Impressionism focuses less on form and structures and more on colour and light. Impressionism is often characterised by quick light brush strokes. |
While the viewer is distanced from the scene because they cannot discern details, impressionism has the effect of encouraging the viewer to use their imagination to create a visual image of the scene. This style is particularly effective for picture books that require dream-like qualities or create fantastical worlds. |
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Realism |
This style is designed to be as real as possible. It is characterised by realistic proportions, three dimensional objects and exacting use of light, shade and colour. |
This has the effect of encouraging the viewer to view the illustrations as either real or as though they are viewing the action as it happens. |
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Folk art |
Folk art incorporates a variety of styles. These styles are traditional to particular cultures. |
Artistically, the effect of the style will depend on the cultural tradition. However, the cultural style that is represented has the effect of reminding the viewer of the particular customs, values and beliefs of that culture. |
