When a proper Russian boy is given a box of paints from his aunt magic occurs. From a young age (and well into adulthood) Kandisnky did what was expected of him. But when colors sing out and music paints a picture, you must follow your heart and create art! This is a quick introduction into the life of an abstract painter. An afterwards gives more detail. The illustrations are powerful and capture the text and the work of Kandinsky perfectly.
First: my take on the illustrations. Illustrations can make or break a book. I prefer realistic images over “cartoony” or “too simplified” illusions. Yet, when you have an abstract painter as the subject of your book, how do you present that abstractness? You use something in between. While the illustrations are realistic they do have a whimsical, obviously animation, drawings. And when actually showing the art of Kandisnky, they are a great representation of the work. The artwork truly is the perfect addition to the text. They are a story within themselves.
The afterwards touches on the fact scholars think he had synesthesia. As I was reading it, my first thought was, “He had synesthesia!” The language used to describe what he said he saw and heard when he mixed his paints, when he heard and saw the music playing and so forth, does lend itself to this theory. This added information will hopefully make the reader want to learn more about the artist, art, painting and synesthesia as well. (Though some information on the subject of Synesthesia is included in a basic format). 