ARTistic Pursuits
ARTistic Pursuits, crafted by Brenda Ellis, is a distinctive homeschool art program that stands out for its holistic approach to teaching art. Brenda, with a keen understanding of children’s educational needs, developed this curriculum to foster creativity and artistic skill from preschool through high school. Brenda brings a rich background in art education, which has significantly shaped the development of this curriculum. She is an honors graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute and an alumna of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Brenda's deep engagement with art education spans over 25 years, covering various teaching contexts for K-12 art. Her journey in developing ARTistic Pursuits began with a drawing book for high schoolers in 1999, co-created with her husband, Daniel. This initiative arose from a desire to offer art education that emphasized original creation over mere imitation. Brenda's approach to art education is rooted in her understanding of children's developmental needs in visual arts, aiming to tailor lessons that are age-appropriate and engaging. The success of ARTistic Pursuits, reaching over a hundred thousand users, highlights the effectiveness and appeal of Brenda's educational philosophy and methods. This program is not just about learning art; it's about integrating art instruction with art history and technique, empowering students to express their ideas and interpretations through their creations.
ARTistic Pursuits has been recognized extensively within the homeschool community for its excellence in art education. The program has consistently won accolades, including the "Excellence in Education Award" multiple times across various years and for different grade levels. It has been awarded first place in categories such as Elementary Art, Middle School Art, and High School Art from 2006 to 2020, underscoring its widespread acclaim and effectiveness in delivering quality art education.
Grades: The curriculum is designed for students from preschool through high school, with content tailored to be age-appropriate and developmentally suitable.
Cost: Courses are available for purchase individually with prices varying slightly by level; each typically costs around $54.44, marked down from a retail price of $59.00 (Christianbook).
Differentiation
What sets ARTistic Pursuits apart is its emphasis on creative autonomy and understanding art as a language of personal expression. The curriculum is structured around allowing students to see art techniques demonstrated, then apply these to their own projects with a focus on their interests and ideas. This approach respects the developmental stages of children, ensuring that the art instruction is age-appropriate and engaging, fostering a personal connection with art that encourages ongoing creative development (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits) (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits).
How It Works
ARTistic Pursuits integrates hands-on projects with art history lessons, which help students connect with artistic concepts and techniques through creating their own artworks. The curriculum is designed for ease of use, allowing even those with no prior art background to guide their children effectively. Each lesson is structured to build on previous concepts, reinforcing learning through practice and exploration (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits) (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits).
How to Get Started
Getting started with ARTistic Pursuits is straightforward. The curriculum is available in various formats, including books and video content that guide both students and parents through the art-making process. Lessons are designed to be student-led, particularly from grade four onwards, allowing for independent study. Parents can assist in the early grades by preparing materials and learning alongside their children. Each course typically involves lessons that last about one hour and are recommended twice a week (Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers) (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits).
Educational Content
The curriculum covers a vast range of artistic disciplines including:
Drawing and painting techniques
Sculpture and modeling
Art history from various periods and cultures
Art appreciation and critical analysis
Use of different mediums like graphite, watercolor, and pastels
Each level is meticulously crafted to cater to the specific developmental and educational needs of the age group it targets (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits) (Christianbook).
What’s Good About It
Users appreciate ARTistic Pursuits for its comprehensive and flexible structure that caters to all levels of artistic ability and interest. The curriculum supports a self-paced learning environment that is highly adaptive to individual learners’ styles. Many parents note significant improvements in their children's artistic skills and their ability to express themselves creatively (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits) (Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers).
What Could Be Improved
While the program is well-received, some parents noted that the materials and projects could be more varied to continuously challenge and engage students at higher skill levels. Additionally, some expressed a desire for more in-depth coverage of modern and contemporary art techniques (Homeschool Fanatic).
Advice from Parents
Parents suggest integrating the art projects with other subjects to enhance interdisciplinary learning. They also recommend setting a consistent schedule for art lessons to build a routine that helps children look forward to and prepare for their art projects (Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers).
Ideal Fit
ARTistic Pursuits is particularly suited for families looking for a comprehensive art program that encourages self-expression and creativity across all age groups. It offers a curriculum that supports independent learning, making it ideal for students who thrive in a self-paced educational environment. This program is beneficial for those who appreciate a blend of hands-on art creation, art history, and artistic appreciation integrated into their learning processes (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits) (Homeschool Art | ARTistic Pursuits).
Non-Ideal Fit
While ARTistic Pursuits offers a broad and inclusive approach to art education, it may not be the best fit for families seeking a highly structured, technique-focused art curriculum. This program might not satisfy those looking for a rigorous, traditional art education that emphasizes precise technical skills over the explorative and expressive aspects of art creation (Homeschool Fanatic).
Ways to Get It
ARTistic Pursuits can be accessed through their official website, where various course materials including books and videos are available for purchase. Additionally, some homeschooling supply stores and online educational retailers also stock these courses (Christianbook).
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