ARTistic Pursuits publishes homeschool art curriculum written specifically with the homeschooler in mind. They carry books for grades K-12, which are non-consumable and meant to be used independently in the older grades. I received Senior High Book I: The Elements of Art and Composition for review. This contains art instruction, art appreciation, and art history. The materials needed are not extensive, adding to the user friendly appeal. Book One contains sixty-four lessons in sixteen units. Elements of art taught include space, line, texture, depth, proportion, and more.
This comes in a spiral bound format. The pages are inviting and well laid out, with sample art and information boxes. One thing that strikes me about this product is how full it is and yet how unintimidating.
I handed this book to my eighteen year old, with the hope that he would be able to complete the book before he graduates. He found it easy to use and enjoyable (although he was laughing at his attempt to draw the swing set in the backyard!). ARTistic Pursuits even gives me help with how to list this on his transcript. They give me a course name, credit earned, course text, and course description. Wonderful!
I have attended our state homeschooling convention every year for the past twelve years. Each of those twelve years I have noticed ARTistic Pursuits books displayed in the art supply booth and have never taken the time to do more than flip through one casually, check out the price on the back, and put it back on the shelf. Now that I have had the opportunity to try one out for myself, I am seriously regretting that action! If I'd taken the time to realize these books could be used for all my children, I wouldn't have blinked twice at the price ($42.95). I love being able to use the same books with several children and I love that these can be used without a lot of mom prep time or instruction. Having seven grades at once this year, this kind of thing excites me!
I have been excited about art curriculums in the past, as we are an artsy family, but this one has to be added to the top of the list (Seriously, I'm not all that fickle, I just like stuff. And this is good stuff!). You can check out more samples on their web site. I think you'll be impressed.
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