Art was one of my favorite classes in elementary school. I loved going and learning different painting techniques, playing with paper mache, doing leaf rubbings and so much more. However, teaching art is a whole other story. I am not creative by nature – at least I don’t think I am. I constantly second guess myself and want everything to be perfect, which gets in my way.

Even though I am not the greatest artist, I do want my children to learn about art and enjoy creating. I have two that love to create, color and are continuously inspired, and two others that could care less if paints were ever invented. Nevertheless, I want them to be exposed to the world of art. Here are some art curriculum choices we have either used or hear great reviews about.

Art Curriculum

Draw to Learn (Notgrass) – My little ones are using this curriculum for both their Bible and Art. Each volume is a full-year curriculum that concentrates on either a specific book, subject or person in the Bible. Specific passages of scripture are read daily and then students are asked to draw a portion of the reading that will help them remember what was read. My #2 is not a fan of drawing, coloring or pretty much anything related to art, but he actually likes doing this every day. Although this isn’t an art curriculum that gives actual art instruction, it is a great way to get their creative juices flowing.

Art and the Bible for Children – This deluxe text includes 59 favorite children’s Bible stories. Each story is written at an elementary level, yet staying true to God’s Word. There are 36 stories from the Old Testament and 23 from the New Testament, followed by discussion questions along with delightful art lessons at the end of each story. Lessons vary in length and level of difficulty, making them easily adaptable for multi-age level groups from preschool to middle grades

Baby Lambs – Baby Lambs is not just a coloring book! This book teaches beginning drawing, color theory, lettering, addition and subtraction, and beginning writing – all in a fun way with art! It also includes a cut and paste section and ABC’s with Scripture. This book is a little eclectic, but could be a good starting point for preschoolers.

Feed My Sheep – This best selling curriculum features over 250 illustrated step by step lessons, and is designed to be used for three years of study. When following the recommended sequence of lessons, the student will learn drawing, color theory, art appreciation, perspective, portraiture, anatomy, lettering, painting, and more. It is written directly to students; older students can work independently (3rd-9th), but younger ones can work with assistance and direction. This is a particularly good choice for parents without an art background. This is written from a Christian perspective.

How Great Thou Art – An inspirational approach to drawing. A teaching text for beginners and intermediates, with over 70 daily lessons. Projects include line, ellipses, simple objects, thick & thin lines, shading with line, values, complex objects, composition, anatomy, trees, portraits, flowers, nature studies, independent study, perspective, proportions, creativity, pen & ink, and still life. These lessons are geared toward teens and may be taught by a teacher or used as independent study.

DVD and Online Art

Home Art Studio DVD – The Home Art Studio program will enhance a child’s ability to problem-solve, think creatively, and truly see the world around them. The art projects students will complete are designed to illustrate the elements and principles of art in an age-appropriate way.

See the Light DVD series – This course series teaches the basics of drawing such as how to make different types of lines using a pencil, how to draw what you see, perspective, placement on the paper, contour, scale, point of view, ground, proportions, shading, shadows, drawing people, and drawing faces. You can check them out with a few free classes here.

Masterpiece Online Academy – The Masterpiece Online Academy offers online courses in drawing, color theory, pastel, art careers, with more classes on the horizon. Get video and printable instruction plus optional teacher critiques and grading. Perfect for homeschoolers, teens, and adults who want professional instruction in the comfort and convenience of their own home.

Art for Kids Hub (YouTube channel) – We have utilized several of these videos and their printables in the past. My oldest found it fun to learn to draw several Pokeman characters, superheroes, angry birds and animals.

Fun 2 Draw (YouTube channel) – This channel has quite a few videos that will show you how to draw more character/anime type drawings.

Looking for more Art resources? Check out my Homeschool: Art Pinterest board!