Happily Homeschooling

Artistic Pursuits Review

ARTistic Pursuits

Looking for an art curriculum that requires no parent prep time, is organized, easy to use, is designed for homeschoolers by homeschoolers, is non-consumable, features actual Master art pieces, and teaches art history from ancient times to today? I’m going to tell you about a program that includes all of these plus more.

The curriculum is Artistic Pursuits. Brenda & Dan Ellis created this curriculum to help homeschooling parents teach their children about art without prior formal training. This curriculum allows parents to participate with their children while learning the fundamentals of art. It is family oriented and individualized. Children are allowed to create art from their own interests, rather than be told what they are to draw/create. Artistic Pursuits offers curriculum books for Kindergarten through 12th grade. There are 3 levels for K-3, and 2 levels each for 4-6 grades, Junior High, and Senior High.

We received Artistic Pursuits, Grades K-3 Book One, An Introduction to the Visual Arts for review. This level teaches students art history “using the idea that art is more than just a picture on a wall.” The projects encourage students to use their observations of the world when creating art. This technique is used right from the first lesson. Pieter Dr Hooch’s painting of The Courtyard of a House in Delft is used as an example for the lesson. There are questions for the student to answer about the painting that encourage him to look deeper into the picture. It’s pretty neat. It makes you think, which is the point.

We like this program. I like especially the Masterpieces that are used during the lessons and the historical information given. There is not an in depth history lesson given, but this is art not a history class. What we did is research more information on the artist and/or time period. Both my son (8) and my daughter (13) like the projects and the Masterpieces. They both do have an interest in the history component, but hands on always tops reading with them.

I recommend Artistic Pursuits if you’re looking for an easy to use and still thorough program. I know that you’ll like what you see. You can view sample pages here. You can purchase each book for $42.95 through the website or you can purchase by phone here. Once you have the book, you will only need to purchase the art supplies necessary for the specific book you have. Artistic Pursuits has put together supply kits for each level that can be purchased here.

I invite you to read other reviews from Crew members here.