ARTistic Pursuits, Grades K-3 Book Two

Stories of Artists and Their Art

by Brenda Ellis. Publisher: Artistic Pursuits Inc. Comb-binding, 79 pages, ISBN: 978-0-9815982-2-2, February 15, 2008 2nd Edition

List Price $42.95

Book description:

Age Level: 5 and up. 32 Lessons. This book is sure to delight young children as they make connections with artists from the past. It focuses on the lives of artists who left the world with a vision that has awed and inspired others for generations. Using colorful illustrations and works by Master artists, this book tells the stories of artists from the 13th century late Gothic period to the academy artists of the 18th century. Children explore painting in watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, printmaking, sculpture with papier-mâché, and mixed media.

Lesson Three

Lesson Three, Page One.

Found at the top of the page is an introduction which helps children to see a relationship between their own lives and that of the artist. Read and allow them to ponder the similarities. Read a fictional story that adds details and focuses on points for which the artist and his art are remembered. The story incorporates facts known about the artist's life in a way that appeals to young minds. Giotto’s childhood story is passed down by Giorgio Vasari, an artist and historian writing in 1550, in The Lives of the Artists. "My son enjoys the stories of the artist’s lives, and is very enthusiastic about completing his projects…I CAN teach art, I just needed a good guide!" -C.L. Homeschool Mom

Lesson Three, Page Two
The story is followed by a sentence in bold type, restating the point for which we remember this artist. Information in boxes cover topics of interest during the artist’s lifetime such as, What is a Craftsman? What is a fresco painting? What is a Book of Hours? What is the Renaissance? Where did Renaissance colors come from? Did the printing press change art? etc. "I got my book and all I can say is wow, wow, and Wow! Your chronological lessons fit so perfectly with our history..." -B.W. Homeschool Mom

Lesson Three, Page Three
After reading the text, which ties the previous information into the project idea, show children the illustrated steps for the project. A box is color coded to match art materials groups shown at the front of the book, for easy handling of art materials. It tells parents what art material group will be used for this project. Allow children to work freely as they explore their own ideas within the context of the project. The Student Gallery shows how other children filled the assignment and inspires young artists. "My girls are thoroughly enjoying your art lessons - it is their favorite subject!!" -S.S. Homeschool mom.

Lesson Four, Page Four
The story lesson is followed by an art appreciation lesson. Read about a work of art created by the artist. Here we learn that the blue color used lavishly within this painting was more expensive than gold, making this picture a magnificent sight in the eyes of those who first saw it. Questions guide the child in exploring the picture further. We often only notice the primary figures in a painting. Questions engage children in a search that is enjoyable and opens their eyes to more information. There are no answers provided because this activity is not about getting the right answer, but about expressing their own opinions through their own observations. "We've been paying triple the cost of your materials for a local art class that doesn't cover what you provide. My ... budding artist is very excited to start this material." -S.H. Homeschool Mom.

Lesson Four, Page Five
Read the first paragraph which ties the project into what the child has just seen in the art by the master, Giotto. The box informs parents of which art material group to use, as referenced on the Materials page at the beginning of the book. Provide the art supplies for the student. Allow the student to create freely. In this project children will explore what fresco was like as they paint onto a plaster covered piece of cardboard. The Student Gallery shows how other children filled the assignment and inspires young artists. "Your program actually teaches art. It’s not another one of those craft books that gives you cutesy ideas for projects." -T.C. Homeschool Mom

Materials Introduced: pan watercolors, tempera paints, oil pastels, printmaking, stamping, papier-mache, mixed media.

Contents: 1. Cimabue 2. Madonna Enthroned, with Saints and Angels 3. Giotto 4. Lamentation of Christ 5. Limbourg 6. August (Departure for the Falcon Hunt) 7. Van Eyck 8. Jean Arnolfini and His Wife 9. Leonardo da Vinci 10. Mona Lisa 11. Michelangelo 12. Delphic Sibyl 13. Raphael 14. Portrait of a Young Woman 15. Anguissola 16. Three Sisters Playing Chess 17. Durer 18. Flight to Egypt 19. Bruegel 20. Hunters in the Snow 21. Parmigianino 22. The Conversion of Paul 23. Rembrandt 24. Abraham's Sacrifice 25. Vermeer 26. The Artist in His Studio 27. Fragonard 28. A Young Girl Reading 29. Turner 30. The Fighting Temeraire 31. Millet 32. The Gleaners

K-3 Book Two ISBN 978-0-9815982-2-2....made in the USA.... Price:

$42.95