by Brenda Ellis. Publisher: Artistic Pursuits Inc. Comb-binding, 88 pages, ISBN: 978-0-9815982-8-4, February 15, 2008 2nd Edition
Age Level: 14 and up. 16 Units, 64 drawing lessons. This book gives students in-depth experience with the elements of art and composition as they explore European art. Organized for clarity and understanding, the book will lay a solid foundation for first time art students and challenge experienced students as well. Emphasis is given to developing personal expression and the application of the creative process using pencil and charcoal.
Unit One, Page One
VOCABULARY AND CREATIVE EXERCISE PAGE
Each unit explores one element of art or a compositional arrangement.
ILLUSTRATED VOCABULARY: Definition of the terms are introduced in each unit in both words and pictures at the top of the page.
CHALLENGE YOUR VISION: Students get their hands on art materials the first day in a project designed to explore the subject of art and creativity.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the CHALLENGE YOUR VISION section are listed and color coded to clarify the purpose of the creative assignment and for easy grading using a grading system on page 87.
"Wow. Artistic Pursuits had a Bigger Vision for my son as a student than I did. Lesson Learned!! So I am left quite pleased and impressed with what good teaching can enable someone to do." -H.Q., Homeschool Mom
Unit One, Page Two
ART APPRECIATION PAGE
Students see how the topic of the unit is used in a work by a master artist. When they see a concept in artists' works, they are more able to use it in their own work. Close-ups and illustrations accompany the work, helping students see what is being discussed in the text. Arrows point to the places in the artwork that are discussed in the text so students can't miss seeing it.
"My sixteen-year-old son devoured Senior High Book 1. We have never found anything for him so stimulating and so challenging. And the results were fantastic!" -R.W., Homeschool Mom
Unit One, Page Three
ART HISTORY PAGE
THE ART AND THE ARTIST: This section examines the art of a particular time period or a particular artist. Artists' biographies include: Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Zurbaran, Renoir, Friedrich, Jan van Huysum, Seurat, Tintoretto, Raphael, Durer, and Watteau.
THE TIMES: Students learn about European art history and how ideas changed from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. Topics include the Symbolism of the Middle Ages, Realism of the Renaissance, the Spanish Baroque, Dutch Realism, Expressionists, Impressionists, and more.
THE ASSIGNMENT: Students gain skill in working from observation.
"This art curriculum is perfect for Home Education Programs because it is intentionally self teaching," -TOS Homeschool Mom Reviewer.
Unit One, Page Four
TECHNIQUES PAGE
Students learn technical information. How to use a medium such as pencil or charcoal and a variety of ways for using each medium are introduced. Techniques for drawing and exploring certain subject matter are shown.
This page offers practical suggestions for setting up a drawing. It shows how to begin a drawing while keeping active and non-active spaces in mind.
TO DO: Students practice with the techniques shown, completing a drawing.
"Each lesson has given (my hesitant child) some impetus to go forward with no pressure from Mom. Somehow having some more head knowledge about art itself, the techniques, has made him more sure of himself and that shows up in his drawings. He is drawing!" -H.S. Homeschool Mom
Unit One, Page Five
FINAL PROJECT PAGE
Instructions are given for a final project in which students assimilate the information from the unit and do a work reflecting their interests or particular interpretations.
MATERIALS: A materials list is given in the right column.
REFERENCES: Suggestions for what to use as a reference are given in the right column. Once students go through the book they will have used all the references available, such as photographs, direct observation, their imagination, etc.
STUDENT GALLERY: Students see how others their own age interpreted and successfully used the element of art, encouraging different approaches to art.
LOOK BACK: Students evaluate the success of the finished work by answering the questions. Parents can use the color-coded stated objective for easy grading.
"I really appreciate the way the book appeals to naturally creative students, and yet the lessons are designed in a way that will bring out the creativity of each child in a very non-intimidating format. The inclusion of student’s works of art, is a wonderful touch!" -TOS Homeschool Mom Reviewer.
Media Introduced: 3 grades of drawing pencils, vine charcoal and compressed charcoal.
Contents: 1. Space 2. Line 3. Texture 4. Shape 5. Form 6. Value 7. Contrast and Unity 8. Balance 9. Rhythm 10. Depth by Overlapping 11. Depth by Position and Size 12. One and Two Point Perspective 13. Atmospheric Perspective 14. Proportion, the Face 15. Proportion, the Figure 16. Clothing the Figure
$42.95
Visual Arts Courses: Each book is designed for 1 credit (one year) however, if a student desires to take only one year of art the courses can be modified and the two books can be combined. To do this, complete the art assignments on the first and fourth pages of each unit, while only reading through the second and third pages of each unit. Award ½ per book (one semester). A credit depends on the amount of time spent on the course.
A portfolio is a collecction of art works that you will show to a college for entrance to their program. It is also the name of the folder you put the work into. Please note that each college will have its own set of requirements and you should look into those before sending your portfolio to them. The guidelines below will be valuable if you keep them in mind as you go through our courses.
Copyright © 2000-2011 Brenda Ellis
Designed by MotleyMince ™ Productions