We were not new to Artistic Pursuits by Brenda Ellis when I received the opportunity to review it, which greatly added to my excitement and explains why I requested Grades 4-6 Book Two: Color and Composition. We had already worked through Book One on drawing last year so I knew my artistic daughter would love an intro to watercolors.
Each unit is divided into four lessons, one on observation which helps build a visual vocabulary, one on art appreciation and history, one that teaches new art techniques, and an application lesson that brings them all together.
Here's what I LOVE about Artistic Pursuits:
1. It teaches art techniques incrementally. You'll be amazed at what your kids can do when they work through Artistic Pursuits. Grades 4-6 Book Two teaches color and composition.
2. It teaches art history and art appreciation, too. Each book focuses on a period of art or group of artists. Grades 4-6 Book Two showcases master works by American artists. Even if your son or daughter isn't destined to be the next Monet, they will receive a great art education by working through this series.
3. Your kids can work through Artistic Pursuits independently. I have absolutely no art skills, whatsoever, and am not competent to teach art. I first purchased Artistic Pursuits because I wanted my artistic children to be able to pursue their passion, without having to depend on me. It has not disappointed.
Artistic Pursuits is designed to be scheduled twice a week, allowing at least an hour for each session. My daughter works fast in all her subjects. It never takes her an entire hour and she usually does art 3-4 times a week. Below, Twinkle Toes (10) showcases some of her recent creations.
If you have artistically inclined kids, but don't feel competent to teach art, this program is for you.
A word of warning though, this is not a program for just fooling around with art, at least Grades 4-6 Book Two isn't. All of the Artistic Pursuits books are reasonably priced at $42.95, but the art supplies can get pricey. I spent $100 on the art supplies listed for Grades 4-6 Book Two ($35 alone for 12 Derwent Inktense watersoluble ink pencils). I see that art supply packs are available through Artistic Pursuits at a reduced rate and I could have purchased our supplies for $74 plus $11 shipping and handling. I was happy to do it and consider it an investment in her future, because my daughter loves to create works of art. I would not want to spend that much on a reluctant artist, however.
Please check out other TOS reviews of Artistic Pursuits, especially if you're interested in one of the other grade levels.
Disclaimer: I was privileged to receive a complimentary copy of Artistic Pursuits Grades 4-6 Book Two in exchange for an honest review.
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