The Lively Lines of Linus

Immediately after the ICN Conference last year I went ‘back to the drawing board’, as they say...The conference motivated me to complete, edit, and illustrate the book with self-publishing in mind....thanks to Invisible Cities I have published my book. All of this was new to me and has been an incredible experience. The name of my book is ‘The Lively Lines of Linus’ and it was written as a teaching tool/guide for classroom teachers when implementing art in the regular program.

written and illustrated by Trina Wilko
See my book at http://www.trafford.com
About the Book

'The Lively Lines of Linus' is a story about art and friendship. Linus lets out an outrageous, enormous and thunderous sneeze which completely takes over his being and blows him to bits. His friends, Feelix and Ballita, are shocked and frightened when they see their best friend in a heap of jumbled lines and shapes. They know that Linus will not look exactly iike he did before the sneeze, but they don't care because he is their best friend and they simply want him back any old way! Children are introduced to basic descriptive art vocabulary as Linus' friends work to reconnect the lines that form the shape and coat of Linus. The words used to explain the composition of Linus during the rebuilding process illustrate the flexibility and variety of line used to express texture, shape, movement, emotion, speed, excitement, etc.

This book was created as an educational tool for classroom teachers. It introduces the teacher and student to the simple elements of art-making and a straightforward art vocabulary as outlined in most curricula. Teachers can design and plan art activities with specific art goals directed by the basic graphic art terminology presented in the story; this terminology is also applied to guidance of student observation and conversation when responding to famous works of art as well as personal visual expression.

The relationship between Linus and art is line. His pal Feelix's long stretchy fingers suggest touchy and feely texture. Ballita, a colorful parakeet adds the concept of balance or symmetry in art.

A variety of lines and shapes of distinct color are arranged to form an interesting, organized whole. A line is a path through space that can express an image or action. A shape is enclosed by a line and has two dimensions, height and width.

Knowledge of color can helo the artist communicate their ideas and emotions. Texture can be real, or simply look like it is real. Balance gives both sides equal weight.


About the Author
  • Faculty Supervisor, Early Childhood Education, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
  • Art and Creativity Workshops for student teachers and classroom teachers
  • M.A. Art Education
  • B.A. Fine Arts
  • Certified Graphic Artist
  • Illustrator, painter, ceramic artist