Homeschool Art Class

David, Head, 1501-4 (Detail) Michelangelo Buonarroti Buy From Art.com

Homeschool art is the ideal subject to expand the limits of creativity and freedom.

These pages are the place for one who is not particularly creative, not artistically talented, short on time and has already spent lots of money on other curriculum items! (I know whereof I speak!)

Perhaps the idea of organizing an entire year looms elusively. But it can be accomplished...and the results will be filled with discovery and joy.

The National Standards reminds us of its importance to our children: "(It) benefits the student because it cultivates the whole child, gradually building many kinds of literacy while developing intuition, reasoning, imagination, and dexterity into unique forms of expression and communication. By studying the topic, students stimulate their natural creativity and learn to develop it to meet the needs of a complex and competitive society."

From another viewpoint, Mary Lynch, artist, says, "The art of man is a bursting forth of what is in his soul." Just look at da Vinci's exquisite Virgin and Child with Saint Anne or Cellini's marble crucifix to understand. Such as these will lift the heart and soul of your child.

Yes, these small, humble beginnings are the first steps in leading a child to appreciate and love that which is excellent, beautiful, and noble.

Madonna Sixtina Raphael Buy From Art.com

To get down to basics, homeschool art can be divided into three divisions, Appreciation, Ability, Activity. Each needs to be addressed.

• Appreciation and Knowledge: *Books, pictures and the internet form the basis of materials. Purchase a very simple but clear history. Another resource, which is magnificent, is the website for The Metropolitan Museum.

• Ability: Children can learn to draw from one of the many texts available. Cartooning is a favorite.

• Activity: Hand-ons projects are the focus here.

*Most of these books have nudes. Look through materials to be sure they are appropriate for your children.

Try these ideas to encourage your child's interest and emphasize the importance of art:

• Designate a high-traffic hall as "The Gallery." Then hang the most recent creations for all to view.

• Take pictures of the works with their creator. Everyone enjoys this and the photos evoke wonderful memories and probably a few laughs.

• Stock up on the usual crafts paraphernalia. Crayons, colored pencils, markers, glue, scissors, white paper. Children are very enthusiastic about these, so provide each with his own set (in a labeled plastic container.)

• Take excursions to galleries, musuems and any exhibits. This brings art into reality.

You're ready! Fun and pleasure are the whole point of this. Homeschool art is really the class in which a student gets an "A" for effort and appreciation!

Art/Crafts Projects

Return from Art to Electives

Return to Home from Homeschool Art

New! Comments