Artistic Pursuits

 

ARTistic Pursuits is a company that publishes art books.  They have came out with a brand new and revised 3rd edition of their Middle School 6-8 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition. $47.95, suggested for ages 11 and up. (Non Consumable, can be used over and over again!)

My 6th and 8th grader have both been using these this past little while.  I would like to share our experience.

The book begins with some Getting Started notes for both the parent and the student. 

The art supplies need for this book are minimal, and easy to find.

This book is so much more than a how to draw book.

There are 16 Units throughout the book.

The fist lesson of each unit focuses on basics, like Building a Visual Vocabulary. 

The second lesson of each unit focus on Art Appreciation and

History.

The third lesson of each unit focuses on Technique.

The forth lesson of each unit focuses on Application.

Here is a small sampling of a lesson from the beginning of the book.

This was a lesson on space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice how this lesson teaches you not only about space, in art, but also about Cultures and The Art.

 

 

Here is Tommy’s drawing from that lesson.  Unit 1- Space.

 

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 2 Lines.

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 3 Texture.

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 4 Shape.

Now the book suggests doing the lessons twice a week and that each lesson should take about an hour.

 

We have been using this book 3 to 4 times a week.  We schedule an hour for each lesson.  If they get done with their drawing assignment early, then they can just practice for the rest of the time.  I do not have them do this together.  In fact it has been a very individual course that they can do completely on their own.  It has been a wonderful, quiet time, relaxation part of the day for them.  Which is probably why we are doing it more often then suggested. I should probably mention that both my older children really enjoyed drawing before this book and wanted to become better. 

I asked them each what they liked about this curriculum and here is what was said.

Tommy: “I like the way it teaches. Most of the time you choose what to draw applying the techniques you are taught.”

Emily: “I like that it allows you to be creative with your drawings.  I don’t like that I have to read all about the history and artists, I just want to draw.”

There you have it.  Straight out of the mouths of teenagers.

Artistic Pursuits offers Preschool through High school levels.

I do recommend Artistic Pursuits and we have used them in the past, check out this review.

To see what others think of this check out this post. To see a wide variety of reviews check out our crew blog.

  

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.