ARTistic Pursuits: Grades K-3

by Melissa D on 2012-06-09
I think this is an excellent program that gets at the heart of the issue--how an artist thinks, sees, etc. No, it does not teach how to draw individual objects. Each lesson focuses on an aspect of all art--seeing color, seeing lines, showing emotion in a picture, how to use what you see to make imaginative artwork, etc. It sounds complicated but each lesson is very short and the projects were simple enough for my 5-year-old to do. Each lesson also show famous artwork and a real-life example done by a child. The beauty of the program is that the child uses their own preferences and techniques to make art. There really aren't any wrong answers. They don't look at a picture of a dog and think, "I failed. My dog doesn't look like that." We like this program so much, I've ordered the next book and supplies. Both my kids and I have learned a lot!

by ASHLEY P on 2010-09-07
I don’t mean to be the only one not taken in by this program. So far I am terribly unimpressed with this art program. It has very little art appreciation and technique for young children. The first lesson looks at a painting that is a masterpiece and talks about composition then tells the child to draw something they have seen in their house that day? That isn’t an art lesson; I could have done better creating a program for her with better books myself. My daughter is very artistic and enjoys learning about the artists, their techniques and much more than mere “go draw something” lessons, it made me think about public school art class, 8crnge*! I was surprised that this was something Sonlight recommends since their other programs and overall curriculum surpass everyone else in my opinion. I will not be purchasing this program again, and feel bad that I can’t return it since we used the ebony pencil included in the art kit. Luckily I have found better art programs that out measure this, even for young children so next year will be much better!

by TARENA B on 2010-04-20
I can't say enough good things about this art curriculum!! We have four kids who all love it...the youngest is one and he even participates in his own way! We purchased the supplies kit to go with this and it has worked wonderfully for our whole year. With three of the kids (ok, and myself...couldn't help it!!!) using up supplies consistantly. (We will need to buy more watercolor paper for next year, but not a big expense for how many kids it is teaching.) I love how it combines art appreciation and art lessons all in one. I even suggest that you don't need to buy any art appreciation books! The water color crayons that you use in this book are a blast and are much less messy than other paints-I loved that! You could spread this book out over a couple of years, or like us, soak it up quickly and enjoy the next book! Worth every penny!

by KAREN E on 2010-04-05
This is great! We tried to use Mona Brookes Drawing with Children but, while that is inspiring, I couldn't figure out how to structure the lessons or what to use for subjects. Artistic pursuits fills the gap by giving me the actual lesson ready made. I am also a fan of immersing them in beautiful art and I love the master models for each lesson. Now we are actually doing art!

by MICHELLE G on 2009-03-06
A perfect art program to use alongside core 1 with interesting reading portions and projects. We jumped in at the ancients part and have enjoyed the artistic creations and mediums that the author chooses along with clear directions and pre-made examples for artists of any level to have a go creating their own 'masterpieces'. Purchasing the art supplies kit SL provides to go with this book is a 100% time saver.

by CJ M on 2009-02-18
My parents, brother, and both grandmothers were artists. My father retired from teaching illustration at art college and my brother travels the globe in his career as an art director. Me? I draw stick figures. So what is a mom to do when her expectations are high and her ability low? Buy this program. There are no "lets make ladybugs out of coathanger" projects but no ambiguous "let's be one with the crayon" nonsense either. What you have here is real art, using real materials, taught in a thoughtful and exciting way. Highly recommended.

by GEORGE M on 2009-02-13
This has been so fun this year for both of our children (1st & 3rd grade.) They share this "extracurricular" activity with Dad (before dinner) twice per week, plus Draw Squad once a week. We have seen the little artists "bloom" before our eyes. Artisic Persuits has set their imaginations free, and has given them the tools to express themselves on paper (and several other art medium.) The historical context & examples are just wonderful for this Art History loving family. A great "self esteem" booster" for the pint sized members of the family!

by HEATHER C on 2008-09-17
Finally, a curriculum for art! Easy to follow lesson plans which incorporate both history and activity. I love it!

by MEREDITH A on 2008-06-14
We've been using Artistic Pursuits for 2 years and are so excited that Sonlight is carrying it now. Our kids have learned so much and their artistic energies are focused. It presents concepts, art appreciation, and projects in a way I could never come up with on my own.