Artistic Pursuits Review

If you are like me, you find it hard to fit in fun subjects like art, when it seems to take all day to get through the core subjects of math, reading, writing, science, and history.  Well thankfully, Artistic Pursuits makes it simple to add art to your child's day.

Artistic Pursuits is written for homeschool or independent study.  These books are so student friendly that anyone, experienced or novice, will feel comfortable producing original and expressive works of art. 

This unique curriculum is available for preschool ages through high school. 

* Preschool:  Art assignments designed for preschool exploration

* Grades K-3:  Children are introduced to the visual arts and view art through history

* Grades 4-6, 7-8, 9-12:  Students learn technical skills while creating original works of art. Book One at each level provides an overview of drawing, covering the elements of art and composition. Book Two at each level provides an overview of color theory and composition.

We received Grades 4-6 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition.  Each book in the series follows a similar format.  For instance, each unit in our book includes:

Lesson 1: Vocabulary and Exercise
Lesson 2: Art Appreciation & History
Lesson 3: Techniques
Lesson 4: Application

In Lesson 1 children are introduced to the specific topic and are given the opportunity to perform a simple exercise relating to it. 

Funny Bunny's exercise was to look around for an object and to draw the outside edge of it.  She chose a fall plant and hubby's guitar.  It wasn't required to color them but she wanted to.  :)


I love how Lesson 2 includes a piece of art from a famous artist to help discuss the topic. 

In Unit 1 of our book, Washington Crossing the Delaware is used to explain "Space." 

That couldn't have been more timely because we had just read the story in our history book!! 


Funny Bunny was then asked to draw from her imagination and fill up the whole paper.  She decided to draw "Giant over Manhattan." 

Lesson 3 is all about technique.  This particular lesson taught how to set up and draw.  Where to sit, what to look at, working from a photograph, working from an object.  She was again asked to draw a couple different objects; one taller than it is wide and one wider than it is tall.

Lesson 4 then applies what has been taught throughout the unit into a final drawing.

 {Click to enlarge ~ Unit 2, Lesson 4}

My Thoughts:  The lessons are simple enough for Funny Bunny to read and complete on her own, which is wonderful!  I like the flow of each unit and how they build on the one before.  I am very happy with this art curriculum and will continue it throughout the year and most likely purchase the next book.

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like ARTistic Pursuits because it gives you a history lesson, drawing tips, and instructions on what to do next.  The drawing above is my American Girl doll Molly.  Above Molly is my toy stable.  Above those: Daddy's guitar, my own picture from my imagination, and a fall-y decoration.  I like ARTistic Pursuits and it's a really nice program - beginners or experts! (In drawing).

Find Out More:  You can find out more about Artistic Pursuits online.  There are ten books in all and each level sells for $42.95.  You can also purchase Art Supply Packs to go along with the books.

Artistic Pursuits can also be used in the classroom.  You can find more information, as well as a Scope and Sequence, here.

My Crewmates are also reviewing Artistic Pursuits, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.