I show this film in my 5th grade art class every year. All of the films in this series (The Artist's Specials) are good for that age group. They are well acted and written and make it interesting for the students, in that a young person befriends the artist, and becomes part of their story. In this case, Homer has recently returned from being a field artist for the magazine, Harpers Weekly, during the Civil War. As the film begins, he is staying at a friend's farm in New York state in order to do some painting. Homer, who was famously reclusive, wants to be left alone to paint. A boy and a girl, who, are misfits of their own, become models in some of his paintings, and, eventually friends with Homer, and with each other. The length of the film is perfect for giving a sense of the painter and his life, and yet not too long to be shown in class. Check out the entire series! Bravo and thank you to the producers, Devine Entertainment.
