The Usborne Magic Art Book is a fantastic creative resource for children that introduces them to the world of magic while also encouraging their artistic abilities. The book is filled with captivating illustrations and step-by-step instructions for creating magical artworks. The main idea of this book is to inspire children to think outside the box and use their imagination to create unique and enchanting artwork. Each page of the Usborne Magic Art Book features a different magical theme, such as fairies, dragons, or unicorns. The book provides children with the tools and techniques needed to bring these magical creatures to life on paper. From drawing and painting to collage and mixed media, there are various art forms explored throughout the book to keep children engaged and entertained.
From drawing and painting to collage and mixed media, there are various art forms explored throughout the book to keep children engaged and entertained. What sets this book apart from others is its interactive nature. Children are not only encouraged to create their own artwork but also to engage with the book itself.
Unraveling the Magical World of De Morgans’ Art: A Connection to Harry Potter
Art has an extraordinary ability to transcend time and space, transporting viewers into mesmerising worlds of imagination and wonder. In this blog, we embark on a magical journey through the works of the De Morgans, to celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday on 31st July.
Artworks by William and Evelyn De Morgan not only bewitch enthusiasts with their exquisite beauty but also share intriguing imagery and iconography that resonate with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Since magic has enchanted creatives for generations and is deeply rooted in mythology and history, it is unsurprising that JK Rowling shared some of the same inspiration as the De Morgans had done a century earlier.
‘The Love Potion’ by Evelyn De Morgan
Evelyn De Morgan, a prominent female painter of the late 19th and early 20th century, was known for her fascination with themes such as love, mythology, and mysticism. ‘The Love Potion,’ a masterpiece created in 1903, portrays a bewitching scene of a woman holding a phial whilst a loving couple embrace beyond her castle. It could be a scene straight from Hogwarts! The atmosphere is steeped in a magical aura, with medieval tapestries, vibrant colours and a shelf of books on magical history from the likes of Paracelcus which would even make Hermione Granger jealous.
The connection to the magical world of Harry Potter becomes apparent in the concept of love potions. In J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, love potions are magical concoctions that can manipulate feelings, a theme mirrored in De Morgan’s artwork. The romantic allure and the underlying sense of mysticism in ‘The Love Potion’ echo the enchantments and emotions prevalent in the wizarding world, particularly in the Half-Blood Prince, when Romilda Vane sends Harry potion-spiked Chocolate Cauldrons, after dozens of girls are itching to go with Harry to Professor Slughorn’s party. He leaves them idle for a while, and poor Ron Weasley eats them and ‘falls’ for Romilda.
‘Dragon Tile’ by William De Morgan
William De Morgan, a skilled potter, and designer was celebrated for his exquisite ceramic works. His ‘Dragon Tile’ and ‘Centaur Plate’ showcase intricate designs and vibrant glazes, with mythological creatures taking centre stage. The ‘Dragon Tile’ features a fierce dragon in a majestic pose, while the ‘Centaur Plate’ showcases a centaur figure gracefully poised amidst a backdrop of dense foliage, as though he is deep in the Forbidden Forest.
‘Centaur Plate’ by William De Morgan
The connection to Harry Potter lies in the mythical creatures portrayed. In Rowling’s universe, dragons are fascinating creatures of power and awe, often featured in the Triwizard Tournament. Similarly, centaurs in the wizarding world are renowned for their wisdom and enigmatic nature, drawing a parallel to the centaur figure depicted in De Morgan’s ‘Centaur Plate.’
‘The Sea Maids’ by Evelyn De Morgan
‘The Sea Maids,’ another enchanting work by Evelyn De Morgan, is a portrayal of five ethereal mermaids gliding gracefully through the depths of the ocean. The painting captures a sense of serenity and enchantment, with the mermaids’ mesmerising beauty captivating all who lay eyes on them.
The imagery of mermaids aligns effortlessly with the magical world of Harry Potter. Rowling’s universe features the merfolk residing in the Black Lake at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, adding a mystical dimension to the lake’s surroundings.
The captivating imagery and iconography in the De Morgans’ art resonate deeply with the enchanting universe of Harry Potter, reinforcing the notion that art transcends time and space, linking different eras and worlds. Today, it is hard to imagine magic without thinking of the boy who slept under the stairs in the beloved book series and film franchise. Viewing the De Morgan artworks as an illustration of this world shows how the De Morgan’s artworks continue to weave an enduring spell on the hearts of those who explore their magic and have an enduring relevance today.
A person trundles in front of him in a quest for the corner, their polyester robe decorations attempting to snag on his summer silk set. He winces. Generally speaking, he prefers not to be touched by those he does not know and only occasionally permits it from those he does.
There are hidden surprises, flaps to lift, and prompts to follow, making the process of creating art even more exciting. The Usborne Magic Art Book also includes a range of tips and tricks to help children develop their artistic skills. The book teaches children how to use different materials effectively, experiment with color and texture, and even how to create special effects with their artwork. Overall, the Usborne Magic Art Book is an excellent resource for children who have an interest in art and magic. It provides them with a platform to explore their creativity while also introducing them to different art forms and techniques. By incorporating elements of magic into the artwork, children are encouraged to think imaginatively and create their own unique masterpieces..
Reviews for "Dive into the world of wizards and sorcery with Usborne's Magic Art Book"
1. Emma - 2/5 - The Usborne magic art book was a letdown for me. The magic part was pretty minimal, and the art activities were not very engaging. I found the illustrations to be underwhelming and the instructions were not very clear. I was hoping for more interactive and creative projects, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed. I don't think I would recommend this book to others looking for a magic art book.
2. Ryan - 3/5 - I was excited to get my hands on the Usborne magic art book, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The magic tricks included were simple and didn't feel very magical. The art projects were also a bit lackluster and didn't hold my interest for long. While the book had some potential, it fell short in terms of delivering on both the magic and art aspects. I would suggest seeking out other options if you're looking for a more captivating magic art book.
3. Laura - 2/5 - The Usborne magic art book was a bit of a letdown for me. The magic tricks were basic and not very impressive. The art activities were also quite simplistic and didn't offer much room for creativity. I was hoping for a more comprehensive and engaging book, but unfortunately, this one fell short. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a truly magical and artistic experience.