New! Second Edition Read all about it.
NEW! The Way They SEE It, A Book for EVERY PARENT About the Art Children Make
"Artistic Pursuits does an excellent job of combining art appreciation with art instruction and interesting projects. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the user-friendly format of these books!" -D.V., MO
2008 Conferences:
Cincinnati Homeschool Convention, OH
CHAP, Harrisburg, PA
NCHE, Winston-Salem, NC
CHEC, Denver, CO
Oil Painting Classes in Arvada, CO. w/ Dan Ellis
See why satisfied customers voted Artistic Pursuits the "Best Art Curriculum" in Mary Pride's Practical Homeschooling Reader Award! Artistic Pursuits has consistently placed in the Practical Homeschooling Reader Awards since 2003.
Artistic Pursuits placed second in the ART category of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, 2006 TOS EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS based on homeschoolers responses where they were asked to enter the name of their curriculum of choice and were not given a set of choices.
Want to hear what some of these homeschoolers have to say about using Artistic Pursuits? Read below!
What Students, Parents and Teachers Say
I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE this curriculum! I have been searching high and low for an art curriculum that actually teaches art (not glorified cut and paste or copy the adult model) at an affordable price, and that is easy to use. I have found what I was looking for and so much more! Not only does your curriculum actually teach art (real art!) at the child's level, we get art history and art appreciation too!
Homeschool Parent - Carey Clapp / Wyoming
My sixteen-year-old devoured Senior High Book 1. We have never found anything for him so stimulating and so challenging. And the results were fantastic! Looking forward to Book 2.
Homeschool Parent - Rhonda Wittman / Texas
This curriculum works. It makes artists! My children are really learning to draw, not just copy someone else's artwork, and to use their drawing in their daily lives.
Homeschool Parent - Nancy Gorman / Massachusetts
I have never been so sold out on a curriculum in the 15 years I have been Homeschooling...Artistic Pursuits is the first art program I have ever used that required no effort on my part to get my children to participate. AP involves the kids in the creative process and gives them choices in every lesson, so there is a constant state of interest and anticipation built right from the very first lesson.
Homeschool Parent and Product Reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine: Heidi Shaw/ Canada
read the full review at The Old Schoolhouse magazine
I just want to thank you for developing such a wonderful art curriculum. I have been using the first K-3 book with my 9 year old son for the past several weeks. My son has always thought he was "bad" at art and he did have problems with it because of poor motor skills. I got Artistic Pursuits because of its focus on art history and because there was nothing to copy; my son could choose his own subjects to draw. I had no idea how powerful this would be! On Friday, my son drew a still life of several hand tools. He loves tools. His drawing was incredible, beautifully drawn, everything perfectly proportioned. I was amazed! It is such a simple concept to use good materials and draw what you love, but it works. Thank you so much!
Homeschool Parent - Beth Shreve / Washington
I'm excited. My mom, who has a BFA in Ceramics and a Masters of Art in Teaching from RISD, was very impressed with this curriculum. I've learned much from her over the years and was trying to find quality instruction for my daughters. Well, after a year of paying $70/mo. for my eldest to take classes I've come to realize that it would be best for me to instruct her using your curriculum. It's what I've been looking for plus I can save the $$ and put it toward other things. :)
Homeschool Parent - Shanna Zannini / Massachusetts
What really pleases me are the copies of the great master's works.
Homeschooler - Sophia Andreola / Maine
Artistic Pursuits does an excellent job of combining art appreciation with art instruction and interesting projects. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the user - friendly format of these books!
Homeschool Parent and Art Instructor - Devin Vaughn / Missouri
...exactly what I have been looking for for years. I have a background in commercial art, homeschool my own children, and teach art at our homeschool co-op. Your curriculum is laid out so nicely allowing teachers freedom to choose so many ideas on each topic.
Homeschool Parent and Art Instructor - Paula Haller / New York
It is refreshing to find a program that offers the basics of art instruction and art history in a self-guided manner while encouraging individual artistic expression.
-Jolene Underwood / Texas
read the full review at The Homeschool Source
...at times you discover an art or drawing program that is so easy-to-use, open-ended, and brimming with all sorts of exciting possibilities that your fingers just itch for a pencil and paper, and time to play around. And this was certainly the case with Artistic Pursuits. It keeps the subject on a level as understandable for a beginner as it is for someone with some artistic experience.
Homeschooler - Jessica Schneider / Illinois
I love your approach to art history and that the children are getting a rich education through your materials!
Homeschool Parent and Teacher - Hannah Kendall / Kansas
I just wanted to let you know that we are loving your art curriculum. We are using Artistic Pursuits Grades K-3 Book One and also using Sonlight's world history program and your ancient art units coordinate perfectly with our studies.
Homeschool Parent - Stacy Shniepp
Skill instruction is provided, then the student is tasked with a general goal and set free to observe and create...Parents looking for an art curriculum that their student can use independently will be thrilled to find Artistic Pursuits.
- Jolene Underwood, reviewer, The Homeschool Source/ Texas
Children by their very nature, are creative beings, and unfortunately, too many art programs offer structured instruction that stifles this natural creativity. Artistic Pursuits encourages students to explore their environment...using an impressive variety of interesting age-appropriate student projects to provide an excellent combination of art appreciation and art instruction...Engaging and fun.
- Linda K. Foster, reviewer, The LINK, homeschool Newspaper
Well, I got my book and all I can say is wow, wow, and WOW! We homeschool in the Classical Trivium Method and your chronological lessons fit so perfectly with our history. All smiles. (Using the K-3 Book One)
Homeschool Parent - Bui Williams / Georgia