Schoolhouse Review: ARTistic Pursuits #hsreviews

Being a part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew has introduced me to so many things that were not at all on my homeschooling radar when we began this journey.  One of my all-time favorites over the years has become ARTistic Pursuits.  We've had the opportunity to review Senior High Color and Composition, Middle Schoot Art and Composition, and Sculpture Technique,  The high quality of instruction provided throughout the pages of each book is impossible to beat.   Our newest review, High School 9-12, Book 1:  The Elements of Art and Composition  (Senior High Book 1), is no different.  The newly expanded edition of a classic favorite is perfect for artists and non-artists in your home.  A wonderful way to knock out the required high school art credit, this comprehensive program teaches students the basics of drrawing while also including art appreciation, art history, vocabulary, and techniques while creating original {and good} works of art.

The softcover, comb-bound, 92-page book is chock full of visual appeal and is designed to be completed over the course of a year for one high school credit.  Divided into 16 units, Senior High Book 1 suggests two classes per week for about an hour each class, but that's not the way it worked around here at all.  My Princess was so stinking excited about this book that she picked it up the minute it arrived at our house and has worked on it as often as she can.  She IS an artist, and takes art lessons weekly, but she has been wanting to learn more about shading and pencil drawing.  Talk about a perfect match.  I love seeing her engrossed in activities that she loves. 

Learning to appreciate art

Beginning the assignment

Adding the details that give life to her drawing

ARTistic Pursuits truly makes art education easy.  I have ZERO artistic talent, but I can easily understand the instructions given.  The simple list of supplies needed make it easy to help your children succeed.  We actually had everything needed to begin the first semester on-hand, but if not, the items would have been easily purchaseable at the local stores in our small town or even online.

Introducing students to the art elements of space, line, texture, shape, form, and value, Senior High Book 1 teaches beginning students how to challenge themselves to be creative by pushing past what they've always known and discovering something new.  Each unit of study is divided into four lessons.  The first lesson helps students to connect real-world experiences as they create art.  You might find your child sketching leaf shapes or drawing the room they are in.  Lesson One introduces new concepts and stretches the minds eye as students learn to observe life around them.

The second lesson of each unit teach students to appreciate art as they study artists and art history.  Your children will gain a new understanding of rhythm and perspective.  The third lesson of each unit focuses on technique and the tools of the trade.  Students are encouraged to use different mediums with each lesson so that they will feel at ease with all types of art and design.

The final lesson of each unit is always a project that incorporates the techniques and artists studied.  It may have students drawing the same scene at different times of the day or drawing a series of still life objects.  Lesson Four works to pull the entire unit together and encourages the student to relax and enjoy what is being taught.

So, how does that actually work in real life?  For my self-proclaimed artist, I do not "schedule" art.  For her creative genius, it works best if I allow her to pick up the text and read through the pages and complete the activities on her own.  Depending on the day, she may read only one lesson and open her sketch pad and work on only one assignment.  OR . . . she may very well continue working through the lessons until an entire unit is done.  She has also been know to begin a lesson and venture off chasing colorful "rabbits" and filling the pages of her sketch pad.  I like that ARTistic Pursuits feeds her desire to create.

Now, the Eagle Scout is a completely different story.  Although he's not overly thrilled with art, he's willing to complete all tasks assigned.  Therefore, I schedule art into his week and require that he complete at least two lessons a week.   (You'll notice there are no photos of his art work in this post -- I do not have his permission to share as he is not impressed with his own work.)  He would probably never admit it, but his talent is budding.

What I like about ARTistic Pursuits is that it meets students right where they are and builds confidence in them as they watch the progression of their art work.  I do believe that there's a creative genius in all of us -- ARTistic Pursuits will help you find yours.  Stop by and begin discovering YOUR own creative side by visiting the following Social Media sites:

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I was given the opportunity to review ARTistic Pursuits as a member of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew thought of this and other products as well (or just click on the banner below.)

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