Whose children have not taken art and why?

[ThelmaLou]

My five boys are all ages 12 and under. I'd love to be able to afford to put them in art classes, but can't swing it. I know it adds to the whole idea of being well-rounded. I'm sure they'd enjoy every minute of it. But short of them taking classes, which is out of the question if money's involved, I have no intention of teaching art at home. Not even a little bit. Not even for one year. Is anyone else in this boat? Am I leaving a gaping hole in their education if I leave out art entirely? If I had time to add anything to our schedule, I have about 20 other things I'd make time for before art.

 

I was looking at another post about plans for next year, and I see so many who included art in their list. Two of my sons, ages 7 and 9, are in an art class once a week at their co-op (We don't pay. All moms teach in this co-op.) They really do love it. In fact, it's their favorite class. The teacher is fabulous. But if co-op doesn't offer art, I'm not planning on doing it at home.

 

I'm interested to know if I'm alone in my thinking, and if there's anyone who can convince me that I'm making a big mistake, I really would love to hear why. I'm open for comments!

[mrscopterdoc]

My daugher hates art, loathes it with a passion. She would rather be out kicking a ball [soccer] or kicking someone [taekwondo].:)

 

She is taking art right now in co-op because they offer it and she is counting the days until it is over. After this, she is done.

 

Now, she loves photography and she will take that next year and as much as she wants in high school and that will count for 'art' and 'fine arts' for us.

 

I worried about it a little bit, but I think every child has their own strengths and weaknesses. Mine happens to be athletically inclined, hates music and art. Roger that, moving on. She was exposed to it at least and since it wasn't her cup of tea we'll just go on. I can't stress about every little thing. Well, I do, but I try really hard not too!:D

[stephanie]

My five boys are all ages 12 and under. I'd love to be able to afford to put them in art classes, but can't swing it. I know it adds to the whole idea of being well-rounded. I'm sure they'd enjoy every minute of it. But short of them taking classes, which is out of the question if money's involved, I have no intention of teaching art at home. Not even a little bit. Not even for one year. Is anyone else in this boat? Am I leaving a gaping hole in their education if I leave out art entirely? If I had time to add anything to our schedule, I have about 20 other things I'd make time for before art.

 

I was looking at another post about plans for next year, and I see so many who included art in their list. Two of my sons, ages 7 and 9, are in an art class once a week at their co-op (We don't pay. All moms teach in this co-op.) They really do love it. In fact, it's their favorite class. The teacher is fabulous. But if co-op doesn't offer art, I'm not planning on doing it at home.

 

I'm interested to know if I'm alone in my thinking, and if there's anyone who can convince me that I'm making a big mistake, I really would love to hear why. I'm open for comments!

 

I've never taught my dc art nor have they taken lessons. I've done Draw Write Now with them, but that was just for fun, and they really didn't learn any skills from them. I would love for my dc to all take art, but in the big scheme of things, and schooling 4 dc, it just hasn't been on the top of my priority list. I do also believe that art comes in so many forms-not just drawing. My dc like to do needlepoint, fingerpainting, chalk drawing, mosaics, and I consider all of those things art. We also cook together which for a non-cook is truly an art! I'm interested to hear what everyone says as well!

[Wendy in ME]

We don't teach art here and I can't afford lessons. I do use Ambleside to post a print of a painting with info about the artist and the painting on the board. I am trying to just make them familiar with art but I don't really feel that it is a necessary part of their academics. I don't mean that art is unimportant but to me, it is a leisure time activity. With a LCC schedule, the theory is that they will have time to pursue other interest such as art if they want to.

[Daisy]

I'm not sure that *teaching* art is important. I never had it and my siblings never had it in school or at home. And yet we all LOVE to draw, do nature study, go to art museums, see the photography display at the state fair, etc. I just keep it natural. Sometimes we over "curriculum-ize" a subject, IMO.

 

I do know. I guess I think how can any child resist a stack of paper and markers?? Art just happens. LOL. Maybe we are the odd balls. :D

[GothicGyrl]

Believe or not, as an artist, even I don't "teach" it. We just do fun crafts every week or whenever. ;) There is no formality to it.

 

I am using a GREAT book to "teach" from, but that's it. I don't actually teach too much. I will probably next year, but like you, I don't think teaching them the Masters (as in artists) is important in anyway and I don't think forcing a child to learn it when they loathe it, is a good thing.

 

Basically, it won't hurt your kids if you don't do it ;) at all. And it won't really help them for doing it either (just my opinion now). So if you don't want to do it, don't. No biggie and no one is going to come "classically knock" on your door and question you for not doing it.

[freethinkermom]

The idea of formal art classes makes my very mature not prone to outburst ds11 cry. He dislikes the whole idea that much, so I do not force it. Ds6 loves art. I think the best way to learn is to just create. He has tons of high-quality supplies and some learn to draw books.

 

The kids see me painting and drawing everyday. They ask technical questions and I answer them. They both know what chiaroscuro and grisaille mean, so I think their informal learning will do just fine.

[Sunshine State Sue]

I'm artistically challenged. Dh has some natural artistic talent, but has never taken the time...

 

Ds has had the opportunity to take art classes. I "force" ds to do something in the fine arts area - art, drama, music. He sticks with the evil :eek: he knows - piano.

[Kimber]

Our art lessons are only once per week via Hobby Lobby. We pay $5.00 per week for one hour. We don't spend a lot of time on art. They do draw daily as part of their Spanish work. Or they might draw for fun on their own.

 

We don't do a formal art study program as in study the masters. This is one of the reasons that Lively Latin appealed to me--the art included.

 

So lessons once a week is fine for me!

[siloam]

I haven't officially taught art yet. The girls do plenty of art all the time. At some point in the future I will find a book I can have them work through (independently ;) ), but for now they are just fine.

 

Heather

[TracyR]

I would love to do art. And my girls LOVE art . BUT ... I just don't have the time to do that with them right now . Not enough hours in the day for us .

[Shelly in VA]

Can I ask what the "great book" you teach from is?

 

Thanks!

[Excelsior! Academy]

The Bluedorn's suggest lots of great art supplies with easy access. We went this route this year and it was sooo refreshing. Next year we are planning to use God and the History of Art, but this year...nada.

[Jennifer in NH]

I'm one of those that is "teaching" art next year. My kids love art, I am an art moron:o, so I intend to get ideas from this book and just do them on friday afternoons...It will probably end up being more arts and crafts than you may have been thinking.

Now, if I could just do that with music I would be VERY happy!:D

[Susie in MS]

I have two sons who didn't take art. It was not their God-given tallent/desire. They took guitar and piano. I have a dd who took art and now does very professional quality pencil portraits. I am the type of parent that allows the child to take what they desire (beyond the basics that is)

[ThelmaLou]

Believe or not, as an artist, even I don't "teach" it. We just do fun crafts every week or whenever. ;) There is no formality to it.

 

I am using a GREAT book to "teach" from, but that's it. I don't actually teach too much. I will probably next year, but like you, I don't think teaching them the Masters (as in artists) is important in anyway and I don't think forcing a child to learn it when they loathe it, is a good thing.

 

Basically, it won't hurt your kids if you don't do it ;) at all. And it won't really help them for doing it either (just my opinion now). So if you don't want to do it, don't. No biggie and no one is going to come "classically knock" on your door and question you for not doing it.

 

Ah....this is what I was hoping for. To hear folks who *are* artistic tell me it's no big deal. This makes me feel better. Art is never on my curriculum list. For my kids, art is tracing paper, shrinky dinks, perler beads, Internet coloring pages, play doh, etc... There is just no instruction. And it boils down to exactly what you said..."If you don't want to do it, don't." I'll take you up on that!

[GothicGyrl]

Can I ask what the "great book" you teach from is?

 

Thanks!

It's called Exploring Art Media by Barbara H. Shannon. It covers each of the different types of media in simple to use/to do explanations supplies. Scattered throughout, it has "research" areas--research a famous artist from a particular period in time that might have used the media you just covered--but it's really very simple and simplistic.

 

I like it..

[Shelly in VA]

Thanks! It sounds interesting.

[Kelli in TN]

We don't do art as in creating art. I am not artistic and thus far none of my kids has shown a particular gift in that area either. The kids draw for fun, that is about it.

 

I am very interested in Harmony Fine Arts, though. I am seriously considering it if money allows.

 

Beyond that we just look at art as it relates to the historical period we are studying. I think it is important that they have a general feel for the different styles of the masters throughout the ages, but we don't have big tests on it or anything like that. I try to make sure they at least have some working knowledge of who's who in the art world, just as I try to make sure they have at least heard of famous composers.

[Musical Belle]

Every year I try to plan art into our schedule and every year life takes it out again. :) Our art (when we do it) leans toward art appreciation. I stumbled across a great book from the National Gallery of Art which we have been working through slowly. We also visit our local art museum occasionally -- they offer some great homeschool field trips with tours and classes. My ds could go his entire life without art; my dd lives for art, so we'll probably have to do some more formal work eventually.

[Tina in WA]

For a little art fun w/o "teaching", check out Barb's Sketch Tuesdays. We love doing this. Here is a link to my dd sketch Tuesday's drawings so you can get an idea of what it is like. You can use any medium you like, and I like the direction of topics given once a week.

 

BTW, I am one that teaches art and just loves to do it. I have always wanted to, but never found a consistent time to do it on my own. I finally did it as a co-op class (using Atelier) and love it. I agree, some kids like it, some don't. :)

 

I am also going to start adding Barb's Art and Music programs to our subjects at home. I love the gentle approach that is used for studying both topics. You can do as little or as much as you want to. We won't be using Artistic Pursuits with it, but will be doing option 2 I think. I am still waiting on receiving 1 other book I need to get started. This might be an option for those that would just like to study artist &/or composers.

 

~Tina

[Storm Bay]

We didn't do any art instruction for several years. I just never had time to teach it, art lessons are expensive and my dd's wanted to draw what they chose, not an instructor. I finally started them with a course where I don't have to teach, The Phonics of Drawing by Masterpiece art instruction when my eldest was 11.

 

In our case, our girls have some ability in this area, and having them take a course has helped their abilities a lot, even though they were already better than I was at their ages despite taking art at ps. Now we take any affordable homeschool art workshop that comes our way that looks good and my dd's also are doing Stebbings course on their own. Someday we'll have to study and discuss art history, but not yet.

[Guest Lorna]

I'm not sure that *teaching* art is important. I never had it and my siblings never had it in school or at home. And yet we all LOVE to draw, do nature study, go to art museums, see the photography display at the state fair, etc. I just keep it natural. Sometimes we over "curriculum-ize" a subject, IMO.

 

I do know. I guess I think how can any child resist a stack of paper and markers?? Art just happens. LOL. Maybe we are the odd balls. :D

 

I studied Fine Art yet I have never done a formal art programme with our children. They love to draw and create things. I was actually very careful not to lead them in art at all. My daughter drew abstract pictures as a young child. One day someone asked me if she could draw a person. That was the first time she tried and she drew a complete person. So she never went through any stages (such as an egg shape with arms etc). My son used to draw grids (or what looked like grids!). One day we discovered he was actually drawing cranes and house sewage systems (yes really!:eek:). Only then did we see how complex his drawing had become.

My policy is to provide them with the facility and time to create and then give them tips if they want them. They work most of the tricks for themselves.

 

Little tips could be:

 

Step back from your work.

Draw the bottom curve on an object such as a vase deeper than the top curve.

 

I only do this if they ask and so it happens rarely.

 

Even colour mixing is far better learned by experimenting.

Art takes time to learn - a lot of time. Many great artists are self-taught of course.

Good picture books and illustrations can inspire and much as a visit to an art gallery (perhaps more).

[Tina in WA]

Many great artists are self-taught of course.

Good picture books and illustrations can inspire and much as a visit to an art gallery (perhaps more).

 

 

I agree and this reminds me of something I was reading a couple days ago in Handbook of Nature Study. This quote is in regards to what some folks thought of children's drawings in their nature journals:

 

"...and these were universally so excellent that most people regarded them as an exhibition from the art department; and yet many of these pupils never had had lessons in drawing. They had learned to draw because they liked to make pictures of the living objects which they had studied"

 

I couldn't agree more! :) But I still love art classes. :D

[Ellie]

first, it never ocurred to me to do that, and second, even if it had, it would probably not have been in the budget.

 

My dds are all grown up now, and none the worse as far as I can tell for never having taken art.

[Lisawa]

 

 

Well, just recently we have been doing some art here at home. Im not teaching anything.... but my husband has been guiding us. He’s the artsy one.

 

My son, who is 18 and graduating, has never had art and it hasn’t hurt him one bit. We have covered artists especially through history study... but no he has never had an art class, or anything like that.

 

Do any of your children take an interest in it? Maybe then you could seek out a class.... or even look into a program... I know you said you didn’t want to teach... but the curriculum market has some really nice things out....

 

Next year we will start artistic pursuits using Barbs guides. Its pretty easy and self explanatory, not overly expensive.... or you could participate in her Sketch Tuesdays....

 

Here is a link to the Artistic Pursuits website ( dont buy form them though the shipping is to much)

 

Barbs site: The Heart of Harmony in fact... today is sketch Tuesday.... *Ü* Its a lot of fun and we have learned a lot just by trying.... I am in no way an artist..... I have not had any art instruction since 8th grade and that was one sememster... *Ü*

 

I dont think you will ruin your kids by not having it... but we sure are enjoying it right now.... could just be a passing season though! lol

[Lisawa]

first, it never ocurred to me to do that, and second, even if it had, it would probably not have been in the budget.

 

My dds are all grown up now, and none the worse as far as I can tell for never having taken art.

 

Ya know... its expensive isnt it? My daughter is very artsy and enjoys painting and drawing... but class 4 times a month was about $80.00 times that by 2 or more... thats a little less than my monthly gas budget now.... then driving them back and forth.... its an investment for sure.....

 

We have tried to do those things for her as birthday gifts and or Christmas gifts.... its not something we can work into a monthly budget especially when the kids were younger......

 

We are enjoying just sketching and drawing with a little guidence.... next year a little more focus.... but my girls are interested and enjoy it.... I wish my son did... but he doesnt, and thats ok... *Ü*

[pixelroper]

no formal art plan here...but...

 

parts to whole approach, for example- dd(8) likes coloring: encouraged progressive improvement, now she has to pay attention to a color wheel, shading, mixing etc. I will do the same with any of the genres- the end result being better than when they started- encourage attention to detail, no pressure, these things take time and doing and lots of play with guidance

 

childsized masterpieces are great for messing around with, either following the intended use or just putting on the wall...

 

otherwise art history goes with history- I like to use Sister Wendy's materials in conjunction with SOTW, I do not test, I just expose

[Uccnorsworth]

I will be teaching art using Cave Paintings to Picasso and Preschool Art. Any of MaryAnn Kohl's books are really good b/c she stresses the importance of the creative process (not results). She also brings in multiple media. I have found that my kids have usually been able to enjoy at least one of them (which does include the infamous pudding painting!!). If you have a hesitant child, I would definitely suggest one of her books.