Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Artistic Pursuits: Senior High Level 1, A TOS Review

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As a member of the TOS Homeschool crew, this year I am reviewing many homeschooling products that I have received for free. I am not paid to say nice things about the products, but I am obligated to use the product with my boys and share my honest opinions with you. 

What is it?

Artistic Pursuits, Senior High Book One is a comprehensive art program created for high school students to complete independently. This program, written by Brenda Ellis, skillfully exposes the student to four facets of art in each lesson. It is a weekly course designed for the student to build a visual vocabulary, learn art appreciation and history, practice a technique and do a project applying the knowledge learned in the previous lessons. This first semester course students will need some art supplies that most home school families own. You can read The author's philosophy on teaching art here.

Artistic Pursuits has created 10 books for students beginning at the preschool level and finishing up with 2 high school courses.


What we thought about it!

Paperboy was excited to begin this book. He has always enjoyed drawing on his own. This course could work well in a group setting, but is perfect for the lone artist.

The inclusion of European art history was right up his alley. The assignment to draw a scene from St. George and the Dragon was a perfect lesson for any teenage boy. Of course, Mom would love a still life of a bowl of fruit, but maybe next time. Paperboy loved the way the book was directed at him. There is no teacher manual, thus no need for Mom to be over his shoulder instructing him in the ways of fine art. He gave it a thumbs up!

What does Mom think about it?

I was really impressed with the variety of each lesson. Brenda Ellis has an incredible ability to tie in so many layers of learning in a simple art lesson. Not only does this book teach students art and techniques, it teaches student the necessary skills of observation. The objectives of each lesson are stated and I appreciate the Look Back questions. The student must reflect on if their project included the elements of the lesson.

Using Senior High Book One and Book Two will definitely fulfill the requirements for two credits in fine arts. At the end of the book, there are specific instruction for grading work, offering credit and building a portfolio.The portfolio that Paperboy is working on will be something to treasure for years.

How can you get your hands on this book?

This and the other 9 books in the series are available from the website Artistic Pursuits. This 89 page book sells for $42.95. It is non-consumable, which means you can reuse it with other students. How thrifty is that? You will need some basic supplies such as various drawing pencils, pads, a vinyl eraser and a metal sharpener for this course.

Don't take my word for it. Listen to what other homeschool bloggers have said about Artistic Pursuits here. They had the opportunity to try different levels and some have even showcased their students work.

Thanks for stopping by,

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Friday, April 1, 2011

Winner, and I'm not fooling


Last week I reviewed "The Crossmaker". Since today is National Atheists Day, the day I promised to announce the winner, here are the results:

Why do I call it National Atheists Day? My dear friend Sabie Baby used to have this bumper sticker on her car until she bought her awesomely cool Honda CRV.

image credit Henry Brant & Co.

Back to the giveaway, the winner is Stacie Frost, she's no fool.



Thanks to all who entered. If you didn't win, don't cry, you can always visit See The Light and buy one for yourself.
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Friday, March 25, 2011

"The Crossmaker" DVD giveaway and review

Last Christmas, my boys had a chance to try out "See the Light'"' Christmas art lessons. Now just in time for Easter, we had a chance to try their new art lessons, "The Crossmaker".


This DVD is an art lesson focused around the Easter Story. It includes a beautifully told account of the Easter Story from a child's eyes, using artwork. As we watched the movie together, my boys were glued. The story combined artwork, old fashioned story telling and the Gospel message. I appreciated the Gospel presented with such simple truth.

After the movie, the boys completed the first art lesson together, as they followed along with the teacher. Since we have such a variety of ages, we needed to pause it to let Little Guy catch up. The older boys had to show some patience, hence the looks in the picture below. In between the technique, the teacher offered great little hints to improve their artwork. This lesson required only drawing paper, plain and colored pencils. For a more dramatic effect, a black light bulb was used in the art lesson. This Dvd also has Easter themed lessons in chalk and watercolors. We are hoping to use these as Easter cards.



See The Light is a new company that has been putting out Bible focused art lessons. They have been adding new titles frequently, so check their web site to see what they offer. For the Crossmaker, they offer lesson supplements. These are perfect for planning a complete Sunday School lesson. The bonus features includes a short video called "Know the Light". This explains to children the plan of Salvation.

I am pleased to offer one of my blog readers a chance to win their own copy of The Crossmaker. This drawing closes on Nation Atheists Day, my sister-in-law's birthday, or a.k.a. Friday, April 1st at noon. I want the winner to have plenty of time to enjoy this Dvd before Easter. This give away is for U.S. addresses only.


By the way, even if you aren't homeschooling, your family will enjoy this Dvd. I plan on showing the story part to my Sunday School class. The art lesson were used with my boys who are 6, 13 and 15, which was a good fit.


You have up to eight ways to enter. I will be using Random.org to draw a winner. Follow the directions below and leave me a comment letting me know each way you entered:
  1. Tell me who in your family would enjoy this most, nicknames are o.k. with me.
  2. Follow Accidentally Homeschooling or let me know that you already do.
  3. Follow me accidentallyhs on twitter. 
  4. Tweet about this giveaway using this link http://bit.ly/hk7nM0.
  5. Subscribe in the box below.
  6. Like See the Light on Facebook #/SeeTheLightShineArt 
  7. Follow See the Light on twitter #/#!/SeeTheLightArt
  8. Visit the website of See the Light Shine and tell me which of their products interests you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of these of the products mentioned for free in hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255:Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

If you don't want to miss any of my upcoming giveaways, enter your email address:


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I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com
.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Giveaway Winner Announced: See The Light


Great News! The winner of the See The Light Dvd has been chosen using the ever-cool Random Number Generator. Congratulations to Shirley. She has been contacted and is thrilled. 
Staying up late and entering blog contests, is not always a bad idea. She will now See The Light with her family!

If you didn't win, do not be discouraged. 
SSSHHH.........I have some inside secret blog information. A sister-in-thrift and homeschooling blogger is working on this same give away. As soon as it is posted, I will pass on the info to you. 


Have a Great Weekend! 


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...Barry Stebbing's 3 day art class, a family affair










I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Exciting Times: the Accidental Art Class

This week is a very exciting week for our family.


Our family is taking a 3 day art class taught by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou Art. Even the Gman has joined us for this adventure. This morning, Little Guy, in the middle of the class said "I love this class!" At bedtime he explained to me that he didn't need to go to bed early because art class will help him wake up early. Excitement.


Tonight, I am enjoying reading Mr. Stebbing's personal art journal. It's a cross between blogging, artwork, scrapbooking and a diary. He would be an excellent blogger, but he would have to create his own handwriting font. He details his travels, his lessons and personal experiences along the way.


I hope to mooch some great pictures from my dear friend Lizzie from a Work in Progress. Cyber hint! If not, I will be posting an update of our class, with my own pictures. Cyber warning!


If you are not familiar with Barry Stebbing stop by his website and see some of the wonderful home school art curriculum he has created.


A few weeks ago, I posted on Wordless Wednesday a few shots of the kids learning about frustration as an artist. The curriculum, God and the History of Art is very teacher friendly. I am only in the first few lessons, so I will have to share some of my favorite lessons with you in the future.


Why did I call it the Accidental Art Class? I was at a home school conference seminar and my a.d.d. kicked in. So I left. I stopped into one of Mr. Stebbing's workshops. I ended up sitting in a few more and became hooked.  I signed up for the fall art tour, in hopes he would come to our area.  Thanks to my BFF, Shirley, our class came together. 


I promise to post more about it, but a fine artist needs her sleep. Good night!






I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: God and the History of Art: Lesson 1 Frustration

 



I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.