Tuesday, March 12, 2013

ARTistic Pursuits

Art is one of those subjects that sadly falls to the wayside in our homeschool.  So when the opportunity to review an art curriculum presents itself I jump at the chance.  That is exactly what happened when we were sent ARTistic Pursuits' newly released third edition art book.

ARTistic Pursuits has comprehensive art curriculum that is designed to involve your child and enhance and/or develop the child's observation skills. 

There are a number of different types of books available.  Each of the books are $47.95

Preschool (ages 3-5)-The Way they See It

Early Elementary (grades K-3)-Book 1, An Introduction to he Visual Arts, Book 2, Stories of Artists and Their Art, Book 3, Modern Painting and Sculpture.

Elementary (grades 4-5)-Book 1, The Elements of Art and Composition, Book 2, Color and Composition.

Middle School (grades 6-8)-Book 1, The Elements of Art and Composition, Book 2, Color and Composition.

High School (grades 9-12)-Book 1, The Elements of Art and Composition, Book 2, Color and Composition.

The book that we were sent to review was the Middle School Book 1.


Our son Andrew was excited to dive into this book.  He loves to draw.  He is looking forward to learning more about drawing.  Except for a few supplies we had to purchase this curriculum is designed so that the student can do it on their own. 


Your supply list is included right on the first few pages.  Best of all if you cannot get all the supplies at once it is broken down by semester.  I liked this because for review purposes we only needed a small amount of supplies.  ARTistic Pursuits also have Art Supply Packs available for purchase on their website. 

Each unit is broken down into 4 lessons.  These lessons are titled:

Building a Visual Vocabulary
Art Appreciation and Art History
Techniques
Application

It is suggested that you do two art classes per week.  Each class takes about an hour from start to finish.  I found it took us a little longer, but that is typical of our family. 

One of the lessons Andrew had to complete was "How to Make a Rough Sketch".  This kind of stuff is difficult for Andrew.  He is a bit of a perfectionist.  Especially when it comes to drawing.  This lesson was a challenge for him.  It was great to see him overcome the need to have it perfect.

He sat down and got to work each day on his art lessons.  It was nice see him being a self starter.  I need to figure out how to incorporate art into ALL his subjects. 

Andrew had to choose a favorite subject to draw.  So of course he chose Halo men.

His drawing is really coming along nicely!    My grandfather would have been so proud of him.  I cannot wait to see what else he is able to create.  He has talked about re-creating some of my grandfather's barn paintings.  That really warms my heart because I miss my grandfather so much.

I am now finding drawings everywhere. Including my bible journal, prayer journal and even my food journal.

I honestly think this curriculum is well worth the money.  It is non-consumable so you are able to use it over and over again.

My fellow Homeschool Review Crew members also reviewed various ARTistic Pursuits.  Visit the Homeschool Crew's Blog for these wonderful reviews.


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Disclaimer~ I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

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