Art Resource Collection (Blogging Through the Alphabet)

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 After so many years of homeschooling, I've had plenty of opportunities to try curriculum and explore all kinds of resources, so during this Blogging Through the Alphabet tour, I'm highlighting some of the many homeschooling resources that have been stand-outs. Sometimes it will be a walk down memory lane as I share something we enjoyed many years ago, and sometimes it will be something we're using currently. Sometimes I'll focus on a specific curriculum, and sometimes on a subject area. And I imagine I'll have to be a bit creative with a couple letters of the alphabet! This week I'm starting off with a round-up of some of the great art resources we've used over the years. Not only have I been homeschooling for many years, I've also been co-hosting the Virtual Refrigerator link-up for a few years. (If that's new to you, it's a weekly link-up featuring art projects.) Two of my students have enjoyed creating artwork and two . . . not so much. So needless to say, we've used a number of art instruction helps. Here are some favorites:

We've been privileged to review a couple of the ARTistic Pursuits books, and I've purchased some of them as well. ARTistic Pursuits has earned a reputation for excellence in art instruction for homeschoolers, with books to encourage children of all ages to create and to develop their observation skills. Authors Brenda Ellis and Daniel Ellis both have many years of experience in teaching fine arts. We've reviewed Middle School 6-8 Book Two: Color and Composition, Sculpture Technique: Construct, and Sculpture Technique: Model; and have purchased and used Middle School 6-8 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition, and High School 9-12 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition. All of these books have provided top notch art instruction written directly to the student, and the projects that my two artists have completed using these books have been varied and beautiful.

   

   

Read our reviews:  ARTistic Pursuits Sculpture Technique, Needle Felting with ARTistic Pursuits, and ARTistic Pursuits (Middle School 6-8 Book Two)

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The above projects are examples of what Kennady created during our review of an online art instruction program called Creating a Masterpiece. Taught by master artist Sharon Hofer, the program is rather like attending a fine art school, where students learn technique and are guided in creating excellent artwork that they could be proud to show off. The video instruction course has easy to follow step-by-step instructions showing students how to create high-quality art pieces using many different media, and can be used by students of all ages. Art techniques in many media are covered, and students build mastery so they can create their own projects using the techniques learned. There is a Beginners Level, with projects that can be completed in a single session of an hour or less; and Levels 1 through 5 which are progressively more challenging, building skills and introducing new media. There is also an Art in History section, which describes the artwork of a particular artist in history, and teaches the student how to create a similar project.

You can read our full review here: Creating a Masterpiece - A Homeschool Coffee Break Review




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Another online program we were able to review is ArtAchieve, and the above shows some of the pieces Kennady created from those lessons. This website provides a series of online art lessons inspired by art from around the world. Each lesson includes links and information for making Cross Curricular Connections between art, music, science, social studies, and language arts. The focus is on creating the art, however, and on learning and developing the skill of drawing. This wonderful resource can be a great addition to any homeschool program, but especially for families that want to include art and don't feel comfortable teaching it themselves. Since the lessons draw on inspiring and unique art objects from all over the world there are many options for incorporating an art lesson into other things you're studying, especially if you're using a Unit Study approach. And all at a price point that's very budget-friendly.

You can read our review here: Draw the World with ArtAchieve.

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There are courses in every subject area at SchoolhouseTeachers.com, but we have probably made the most use of the Art section. For quick art ideas, Everyday Easels lessons can't be beat! They are little art based mini-units, but we've often used them just for ideas for art projects. There's a wide selection of other courses too - Art History, Art Techniques, and Drawing With Realism are just a few. 

 

SchoolhouseTeachers.com memberships are available at the Harvest Special pricing until October 31st, along with a bonus of two free print back issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and some digital goodies. Use the code CORNCOB to get PreK-8 for $9.95/month (reg. $14.95) or the code SCARECROW to get PreK-12 for $10.95/month (reg. $19.95).



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 And before I close, I must also mention the book Geography Through Art by Sharon Jeffus and Jamie Aramini. It's long been an art resource favorite of ours, and we've created many projects from it. I suspect I'll feature this book a little more at some point further down the road in Blogging Through the Alphabet, so for now, how about a quick look at some of the many projects inspired by this versatile book.

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Blogging Through the Alphabet again? Yes, somehow I've convinced myself to sign up for another run at this themed link-up, and I'm not going to pretend it won't be a huge challenge. Three of my blogging buddies have teamed up to host this round - Amanda at Hopkins Homeschool, DaLynn at Biblical Womanhood, and Kirsten at DoodleMom's Homeschooling Life. With so many Crew bloggers joining in, I decided I could play along too. This is the first week, and the link will open from Thursday to Wednesday each week, so join in if you'd like! (Find the guidelines in Amanda's introductory post here: Our Second Adventure with Blogging Through the Alphabet)

This post is linked at Blogging Through the Alphabet for Week 1, Letter A.

This post is part of a #breakthrulinkup at Breakthrough Homeschooling - Join us! This post is also linked at the Encouraging Hearts & Home Blog Hop hosted by Apron Strings & Other Things; at Homeschool Blog & Tell at The Homeschool Post; and at the Homeschool Linky Party on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

 

This post is linked at the Homeschool Linky Party on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

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