Can anyone review Sister Wendy's Art DVDs for me?

[vmsurbat]

We live overseas and am I am looking for a low-key, *multi-media* (ie. not a book) approach to art appreciation for 12-15 year olds.

I had thought of TC courses, but honestly think that while I might enjoy them, it would be too much for the kids. This is not for a "credit" class, just for well-roundedness. In looking up some other books on Amazon, I saw a link for Sister Wendy's Art DVDs and they *may* be what I am looking for--something to inspire appreciation for art by example, instruction, and enthusiasm.

I am off-base here? Have I misinterpreted just what is on those Sister Wendy Dvd's? Is there anything I should know about them (inappropriate for young teens)? We can't just check them out of our local library or expect them to pop up on the local PBS station. And once bought, we can't sell them either....

So, if you have any experience with these videos, for good or bad, please share!

TIA,

[JFS in IL]

after all, she is a nun - the good Sister does appreciate a fine nude, and her comments on the lust, etc. she finds evident in a few paints may cause some blushing by young teens. Just a heads-up - you may want to pre-watch Sr. W.

[Anna]

There's nothing porn-like in Sr. Wendy's stuff, if that's what your concerned about. However, she does show a few nudes in the program. If your kids are teens I wouldn't worry about it. If they ever take Art Appreciation in college a few years down the road they'll see nudes there.

You'll not find a more interesting DVD set on this subject matter anywhere. Sister Wendy is a total delight to listen to and watch as she goes through the art pieces, explaining and adding all her humorous opinions. She's quite a character!

Btw-- That Sr. Wendy DVD set you're posting about... it is the one entitled "The Story of Painting"? If so, would you be willing to post the link where you saw it? That's the set I have but it's in video format and I'd love to get it in DVD now.

We all love Sr. Wendy!:thumbup:

[Michelle in MO]

about art that I was amazed when we watched and listened to the DVD's. Yes, she does get "explicit," but not pornographic by any means. Perhaps the explanations might be too graphic for younger children, but for my girls who were then perhaps 13 and 11, Sister Wendy's journey through art was very much appreciated.

[Nan in Mass]

I found them a bit uncomfortable to watch, and I'm not modest (about nudity, anyway) and have drawn nudes in art class. Drawing them and listening to someone talk about them are different, I guess, maybe because the talking was appreciating, not critiquing? I also found the comments rather repetative after awhile, but that just might be me; I've never really liked art appreciation or art history. I'd rather do the art, or just look at it quietly by myself. I was hoping the videos would change that, but they didn't. Despite that, my husband and I watched the whole painting set from the library. If they'd been *too* uncomfortable or boring, we wouldn't have bothered. I guess I'm lukewarm about them and recommend previewing them so you can take a guess as to whether they'd make your children uncomfortable.
-Nan

[Beth in OH]

We own the set, and my girls and I watched them when they were upper elementary through middle school. I've also taken the girls to MoMA in NYC, where as my youngest described it, "There's lots of naked butts" (plus a whole lot more, I might add). It's art. Sister Wendy's descriptions are appropriate, relatively modest, and she's delightful. My dc still mimic several of her catchy phrases.

I recommend it!

Beth

[percytruffle]

I found them a bit uncomfortable to watch, and I'm not modest (about nudity, anyway) and have drawn nudes in art class. Drawing them and listening to someone talk about them are different, I guess, maybe because the talking was appreciating, not critiquing? I also found the comments rather repetative after awhile, but that just might be me; -Nan

I agree. I know some people just love Sister Wendy's style, but please preview them first. Her style is not for everyone. I have a masters in art education and have chosen not to use her dvds with my dc. She is not offensive per se, just a bit inappropriate and unnecessary in my opinion. Her comments tend to demean the subject matter for me.

[vmsurbat]

There's nothing porn-like in Sr. Wendy's stuff, if that's what your concerned about. However, she does show a few nudes in the program. If your kids are teens I wouldn't worry about it. If they ever take Art Appreciation in college a few years down the road they'll see nudes there.

You'll not find a more interesting DVD set on this subject matter anywhere. Sister Wendy is a total delight to listen to and watch as she goes through the art pieces, explaining and adding all her humorous opinions. She's quite a character!

Btw-- That Sr. Wendy DVD set you're posting about... it is the one entitled "The Story of Painting"? If so, would you be willing to post the link where you saw it? That's the set I have but it's in video format and I'd love to get it in DVD now.

We all love Sr. Wendy!:thumbup:

The one I found (but it seems like there are several differing sets) on Amazon is titled:

Sister Wendy - The Complete Collection (Story of Painting / Grand Tour / Odyssey / Pains of Glass)
Starring: Sister Wendy Beckett Director: John Hooper Rating

List Price: $79.98
Price: $58.49 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save: $21.49 (27%)

I couldn't get the link to copy correctly--too long. Sorry about that.

HTH,

[vmsurbat]

especially as we cannot preview *before* we buy.

Any other suggestions for a DVD art appreciation class?

Thanks again for your insights,

[Sharon in MD]

I'd seen those on Amazon and had been wondering myself. I have the book and was thinking about incorporating it next year. And I looked at TC stuff too. Great minds must be thinking alike...lol:)

[Anne/Ankara]

We watched the Teaching Company's Art Across the Ages, and the European Art series (Impressionism to modern times) and they were both excellent-- certainly very interesting to my kids ages 11 and 13, and not too hung up on nudes. You might want to check them out...

[percytruffle]

Since those of us who don't care for Sister Wendy are in the minority, I would encourage you to buy them and see what you think. There are enough people that do use them that they would be an easy re-sell if you aren't happy with them. Also, if you wanted to check out the Teaching Company offerings, they have a full refund policy if you aren't happy with their courses.

Best of luck to you.

[Sharon in MD]

Thanks for the suggestion...i'll see if our library has these...They have a good supply of TC stuff.