Homeschool Happenings: ARTistic Pursuits ~ A Review

Over the past weeks my daughter has been enjoying creating art with the K-3rd Grade Level, Volumes 1-8 by ARTistic Pursuits Inc.. We reviewed Art in America, K-3, Volume 8 (pencil drawing instruction using graphite and colored pencils). This book is geared specifically for 8-10 year olds who want to learn how to draw better. Book eight has drawings and paintings by American artists from the 18th through the 20th century, with a focus on Modern Art. The book is hardcover and includes two disks. One disk is Blu-ray and the other is a DVD. There are 18 lessons included in the curriculum, the equivalent of one semester.

Art in America, K-3, Volume 8

Here is a list of the lessons and what is covered in Book 8.

A list of materials that is needed for all lessons it listed at the front of the book.

This drawing is from Lesson 1 ~ Drawing is Moving.

This is from Lesson 13 ~ Layered Colors.

This drawing is from Lesson 3 ~ Drawing a Good Line.

This drawing is from Lesson 6 which features Arthur Davies (1862-1928).

Drawing an animal from real life.

This drawing is from Lesson 9 which features John James Audubon (1785-1851).

Searching the internet or books for birds to draw.

Unlike most drawing curriculum that takes the student step-by-step through a drawing project, this particular book requires the student to branch out and use the techniques taught in the video lesson and then apply those techniques as they draw their own unique drawings. This is a bit like jumping off of a zip line for the first time. You are scared, have no confidence in your ability to do it, and wonder what will happen once you take the leap of faith in your ability to do it. Yes, you may not look like an expert but that is not what matters. It is the same with art. Yes, your artwork is not going to look like what is found in the book. That is okay! It takes years to develop a skill. Some people have natural talent. It is more about having fun and trying your best.

Here are some of the things your student will learn how to do:

Draw lines that show edge
Draw features like face, hair, wrinkles on clothing
Draw good lines
Using big shapes to start your drawing
Using light and dark
Using lines to show the edges of an object
Making light and dark areas by changing pressure with the pencil
Using stand out colors
Using layering
Draw shadows
Fill light and dark spaces
Using patterns
Layering colors
Overlapping objects
Shading and light
Drawing with a ruler and compass

My 10-year-old found some of the lessons to be not too hard while some of the lessons were quite challenging. My 12-year-old daughter jumped in and did some of the lessons because she absolutely loves to draw. In my opinion, I would say that this book would be quite challenging and maybe even a bit frustrating for the average 8-10 year old student. Why do I say that, because if something is too challenging or above a child's ability level they tend to either refuse to try, or they get extremely frustrated when their finished product does not turn out. If I were to put an age range on this book it would be more around 10-13 years old. With that said, this is just my opinion.

I love how ARTistic Pursuits has included famous artists along with short narratives about them and then incorporates them into the lessons. Students get a chance to be artists too as they explore each artist and the various art mediums as they work their way through this book.

Be sure to check out the other 7 books in the series:

Art for Children, Building a Visual Vocabulary, K-3 Vol. 1 (an introduction to watercolor painting methods, color application, paper cutting and folding for beginners)

Art of the Ancients, K-3 Vol. 2 (strong use of chalk pastels and clay)

Art of the Middle Ages, K-3 Vol. 3 (a variety of paper construction methods, textiles, and collage)

Artists that Shaped the Italian Renaissance, K-3 Vol. 4 (strong emphasis on a variety of watercolor painting methods including resist and fresco, scratch art)

Art of the Northern Countries, Renaissance to Realism, K-3 Vol. 5 (monoprint and relief printmaking methods, plus watercolor and charcoal)

Art of the Impressionists, K-3 Vol. 6 (gouache painting, plus carving, modeling, and constructing methods of sculpting)

Art of the Modern Age, K-3 Vol. 7 (acrylic paint methods, foil and plaster sculpting)

To read more reviews click HERE.