Homeschool World Forum

Anyone have any recommendations for a good art curriculum? We already do crafts, but I'm looking for something that goes over artistic concepts - line types, color, style, whatever other artistic concepts there are (I'm not an artist....). I'm using Kindergarten Art now and not thrilled with it.

Thanks in advance!

We have just started using Artistic Pursuits, it is on loan from a friend who used it very successfully with her kids, and so far it looks really good and DS is enjoying it.

www.artisticpursuits.com

I like Charlotte Mason's approach to art quite well.

I bought a book called Drawing for Older Children & Teens: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too by Mona Brookes. She also wrote one called Drawing with Children. I think her approach is really good.

Ramona

Hi.My name is Kathy Sullivan.I am an art therapist (MAAT) and a successful artist. I was contacted by parents who were homeschooling their kids-asking me to come and do workshops. I joined this website to get feedback to what the needs are of homeschoolers and their parents. Any thoughts? thanks!

Very simple, basic, step-by-step instruction starting with interesting exercises. Encouragement to copy Old Masters. Down-to-earth practice in techniques rather than "explore-your feelings" kind of vague stuff.

Ramona

Actually art therapy isn't about "exploring your feelings". It's true definition is: using art as a facilitator for speech. HOWEVER- Its most powerful use is as a diagnostic tool and to evaluate whether your child's graphic development is at an average level. There are significant detriments inherent in art education during the developmental years: ie. impairment to sense of creativity due to the theory of "end results".

Oh, I didn't in any way mean to imply that art therapy is about exploring feelings. I was just talking about 2 different approaches to general art lessons that I've run across in my years as a home educator. I didn't have any idea what you meant by art therapy.

I don't believe that teaching children the correct way to do a thing impairs their sense of creativity. I think it gives them tools with which to be creative.

JME,
Ramona

I guess it all boils down to the question - is your art for you or for the viewer? If the former, you can make the most horrible mess in the world and still feel good about it (that's art therapy), but if the latter, you better learn some actual art techniques, so people will be able to understand what you're trying to convey.

Personally, I can tell that Picasso's paintings are art, but I like Dali and Monet better, and I much prefer Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael. It's ok to let your creativity run free, but if what you come up with doesn't communicate well to your viewers, it's time to either learn some art techniques, or to switch to something you're better at. Writers have to work hard at improving their craft, painters and sculptors shouldn't be immune.

wow.a lot to prove.

Have you taken a look at Artistic Pursuits? or Art with a Purpose and
Art Adventures at Home.

We're using GeeART 16 with my daughter. Fantastic online course with 16 lessons and offline projects. You can try a sample lessonhere. You also get a license for Corel Painter Essentials, a really great little digital art program.

I had looked it it for awhile but finally subscribed this fall because they've dropped the price and it's only about $30 for a years access.

At least try out the sample lesson!