I would like some recommendations on art curriculum that's not too terribly expensive for my 7th grader. He LOVES to sketch and has been asking for art instruction. I can't afford a private instructer so I thought I could come and ask you wonderful ladies what you recommend.. Thanks! Angela
We enjoy Meet the Masters art instruction. You learn about the artist and then practice a few of his techniques. Next you create a project. Various levels are available. Check Homeschool Buyers Co-Op for discount (I think there's a group buy right now).
my ds likes watching the painting guy on pbs, plus we got a book , we started with it last year in 7th but we got too busy with graphic arts stuff so it is shelved, we will use it again second semester this year because we now have performing arts as our arts class.
I heard someone mention Meet the Masters but didn't know exactly what it was. Sounds neat. We're doing "some" Charlotte Mason stuff and art study is one thing we are doing so this might work for that. I'll see if Home school buyers still has it on group buy. Unfortunatly we don't have PBS. But when we did I LOVED watching that guy paint. He was awesome. It always amazed me how he could take a few strokes and turn them into trees or clouds and the end painting was AMAZING. Has anyone used Rod & staff Artpacs?? They are only $8 so I thought I may try that and see if it fills that need for drawing my son has. He sketches cartoon like people all the time and they are really good. He can copy pictures and they look just about like the model he drew them from.. Angela
art My 8th grade dd has been using "Discovering Great Artist" book since last year. It is intended for ages 4-12, A brief biography of each artist from the Renaissance to the present including an illustration with a child-tested activity drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture etc. We purchased the book through a book fair but I have noticed it on amazon. Also check your local library to see a copy first. It's by MaryAnn F Kohl
The R&S Artpacs are in the lower levels more craftsy with coloring, like making cards for occasions and such, but around the fourth, fifth, and up they get more into the drawing and painting, sixth and seventh more advanced, and I think eighth grade is a lot of pen-and-ink drawing and lettering.
I just purchased the Artistic Pursuits for high school for my son. We start it on Friday so I can't give any real feedback yet, but I like what I've seen in the book so far. This book is all elements of design using pencil, charcoal etc, then I think the second book for high school is watercolor.
We use artistic pursuits on and off with other art activites - lots of drawing and sketching in Book 1 of whatever age group, more focus on color and painting in the book 2.
We have been using a series called : What makes a ____, a blank___________. (Degas, Monet, etc). http://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Monet-Richard-Muhlberger/dp/067003570X#_ They talk about their life, style they are known for and show examples of their work. Then I supplement that with books at the library that feature that style and drawing books about that author. Its really fun just piecing things together. Oh, we also go to the local galleries here when we did 2 of the books and I had the girls sketch a few pieces while we were there.
We just started using Artistic Pursuits this year and so far I really like it. There is history, technique, etc included in each unit. I also supplement with other fun creative stuff like an art journal where we collage, a silly prompt that involves writing combined with drawing/coloring/collaging or whatever their little hearts desire ;o)
