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ARTandHANDICRAFTS
Feb. 10, 2008
Art Appreciation - Part I: Preparation
Charlotte Mason deemed Art Study to be a necessary part of every child's life. She felt that "the artist ... has indispensable lessons to give us". [Volume 4: Ourselves, p. 103] Spending time viewing great pieces of art provides each participant with immeasurable beauty for his or her personal ponderings.
For those new to following CM's educational philosophy, it may seem overwhelming to do Art Appreciation with their children. I've heard some people claim, "we just aren't artistic" - as if that has relevance or will affect their ability to spend time viewing an artist's works!
As you can probably tell, I believe that everyone - young, old, child, youth, adult, elder - can spend time studying artwork and enjoy it! Over the next few weeks I'll share what we do in our home for Art Appreciation. I hope it provides encouragement for parents to begin doing Art Study with their children - or new ideas, for families already enjoying it.
PART I: PREPARATION
- Choose an artist. This, being the first step, can sometimes be the most difficult one! ...Not just because it's hard for some people to get the impetus to begin (you know who you are!), but due to the sheer number of accomplished artists throughout history! If you are stuck for ideas, the Ambleside Online curriculum website has excellent suggestions.
- Find art prints. Images are available online*; print these in colour at home or have your favourite digital photograph developer do it. One can also purchase a discounted calendar or art print book. I try to find at least two works from the artist's early period, two works from his/her middle years, and two works from his/her last productive years. Six is the minimum of works that I'd use for art study. We usually have eight to twelve different art prints.
- Parents learn about artist. The adults may choose to read an autobiography by the artist or a biography about him or her. While doing so, it's good to make a brief list or mental note of items that would be of interest to your children. (Where did he/she live? Did he/she have children? What were his/her interests, etc.)
*In another post I'll share some of my favourite online sources for free, legally copyable artwork images.
This initial legwork is something to be done by the parents, when they have time. Try to keep the art prints a surprise; each week, a new print should be unveiled to the children for their viewing enjoyment.
Keep watch for Art Appreciation - Part II, coming up soon!
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