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? Best art curriculum for learning how to draw? with retention


matrips
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I've been reading tons of art posts recently, but I'm not sure what will fit our needs. Basically we are a family of non-artists, who would like to become psuedo-artists. We have Draw Write Now books, and we can usually make respectable pictures by following them. However, it doesn't translate into then being able to draw a picture on our own, and my kiddos still have an issue with too big of heads and small bodies or vice versa. They have a tough time getting the proportions down even though I try to guide them through. They like art, all kinds, but we don't do it well at all. And backgrounds, forget it. They just don't happen.

 

So what do we need?! I bought Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes a couple years ago, but that didn't happen. I'd like open and go lessons, ideally less than 1/2 hour. That will teach us not only what to draw, but HOW to draw and make a complete picture. With retention. In other words, we could someday make our own pictures. I'd love for my kids to enjoy art and be able to make decent pictures. For themselves, for others, even just for their nature journal. To be able to see something and somewhat replicate it. Not like their mom here, who you do not want to team with for Pictionary. Unless you're only it for the laughs. :)

 

I figure if we get the drawing down, then we can learn to paint too? or does it all go together somehow? I don't want art history. I don't want random projects of doing art replicating a famous artist. I really just want all the basics, taught so clearly and easily that even we can learn it. In a nicely laid out, open and go format for me. Hoping what I want is out there!

 

Thank you!

 

(by the way, my kids are 8 years old if that matters for a particular program)

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When I was in 4th grade, my teacher taught our class to draw using Bruce McIntyre's "Time To Draw." I loved it. (I still have those drawing lessons to this day! And something must have clicked because I am a professional artist now.)

 

I don't believe you can buy that book anymore, but I bought his "Drawing Textbook" to use with my daughter and it is essentially the same thing. It truly takes you step by step from drawing lines and shapes to 3-D to shading and on. It is a bit old school but it will get the job done.

 

http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B000GTZZ9Q

 

ETA:

 

Rainbow Resource also has it:

 

http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Drawing+Textbook/002584/5b9c1ec635a2c985fd342533?subject=16&category=7125

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When I was in 4th grade, my teacher taught our class to draw using Bruce McIntyre's "Time To Draw." I loved it. (I still have those drawing lessons to this day! And something must have clicked because I am a professional artist now.)

 

I don't believe you can buy that book anymore, but I bought his "Drawing Textbook" to use with my daughter and it is essentially the same thing. It truly takes you step by step from drawing lines and shapes to 3-D to shading and on. It is a bit old school but it will get the job done.

 

http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B000GTZZ9Q

 

ETA:

 

Rainbow Resource also has it:

 

http://www.rainbowre...6&category=7125

 

 

This is our favorite for drawing lessons!! Our graduated dc still remember a lot from this book. It is very practical!

 

Pam

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Thank you for your responses! I ordered the drawing textbook so I'll start with that and see how it goes. It sounds like it has the handholding we need to get started. And I'll keep the other programs in mind for down the road. I appreciate the links you provided!

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