Beyond the Stick Figure Art School: An Art Curriculum Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Being a musician myself, I didn't begin to appreciate the educational value of drawing and painting until my children started school.  Since that time, I grow more and more convicted that every student needs to explore all of the creating mediums and fine tune them throughout their educational years.  Like reading and writing, every grade level brings new layers of understanding and skill.  As home educators, we have a beautiful opportunity to incorporate art class - that unfortunately may be only once a week in our public school counterparts - into our students daily habits.  While there is great flexibility in homeschooling, I am subject to far more insecurities when it comes to art unless I was trained in school for it.  The trick here, I'm learning, is to find great curriculum to educate where I'm not able to.  Today we're reviewing Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses from  Beyond the Stick Figure Art School .  This art curriculum doesn't require me to have any previous skills but provides step-by-step instruction in artistic discovery. 

What We Received:

We received online access to Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses and Paint Your Family Portraits Course.  

This included 5 courses in all:

• Complete Drawing Course
• Pen & Ink
• Watercolor
• Acrylic
• 3D Design
• Paint Your Own Family Portraits

Each course contains multiple videos varying in length, usually included a materials video that lines out all the specific materials she uses in the course.  As the instruction requires, there are a few downloadable files to print and use. 

How It Works:

The program states that it is designed for students age 5-95 so it is suitable for anyone who can easily hold a pencil or paint brush.  There are specific materials that the instructor recommends the student to use so there may be purchases you need to make before starting. The videos are required to be viewed in order and the viewer is unable to jump around unless you mark all of the previous videos complete. The Complete Drawing Course contains the Pen & Ink, Watercolor, Acrylic, and 3D Design Bonus courses so you must go in order or take the time to click complete on each video prior to the one you want.  It was a slight inconvenience because we wanted to look at all the courses at least a little bit to give a complete review, but it didn't take very long when it was all said and done to click through. The videos are usually no longer than 10 minutes and introduce only a few steps in a larger project.  This allows the student to establish well whatever is taught before moving on.  Of course, it being a video allows for pausing at anytime necessary as well.  As specific elements are discussed, variations are encouraged so that the students feel empowered to play around with techniques.  In drawing, the students learn to draw big pictures in small sections.  Pen & Ink involves tracing and texturing.  Watercolor explores the nature of water and paint together.  Acrylics highlights paint mixing and shading. 3D Design teaches sculpting methods.

What We Thought:

The instructor, Sally is originally from England and her accent along with her motherly tone is quite enjoyable to listen to an something my kids have loved!  My 6 and 9 year old were able to follow everything pretty easily.  My oldest had in his mind that he wanted to draw people and the drawing course didn't really address that at all.  So by the end he was pretty frustrated.   However, we then tried out the Family Portrait course which was exactly what he was looking for!  My 3 year old didn't really watch any of the videos but because the big kids were drawing and painting, he dove right in. Now we've gone through a big chunk of paper that is scattered around the house drying!  

Once we were able to "complete" all of the lessons and able to move around within different courses, it proved to be a really versatile and inspiring program! Sally discusses all kinds of technique in bite-sized chunks and the reasoning surrounding each one.  By the end of each course you have something to show for it, which is confidence boosting as well as educational.  This program is versatile and definitely something you could revisit as children age to dig deeper into details or do unit studies.  

Follow Beyond the Stick Figure Art School on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthestickfigure/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britladyinamerica

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/beyondthestickfigureart/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCROy5BkqT_cZvQu1dTPRYzw

Do you have older children? Check out the rest of the reviews through the link below and see what other aged children thought about this program.

Master Kitz The Starry Night: A Kidzaw.com Review

One of the biggest things my years in education has taught me is that with a desire to learn, anyone can learn anything.  Art is one of those subjects that can often get cast aside by people who didn't naturally love it or somehow got the idea that they "aren't good at it."  We do so much disservice when we eliminate a subject because we aren't naturally talented at it.  There is just as much (and sometimes more) educational and developmental value to artistic pursuits as math or science. It seems to me that we just need more opportunity to develop artistic skills.  My kids are all expected to sing, read music, learn instruments, and draw/paint regularly - not because I knew from the womb they would be gifted at it, but I know that with repetition their educational development will be enhanced and they will obtain some kind of proficiency in those skills.  Like learning to use a knife or greeting people, I believe equipping our kids with all kinds of knowledge (not just the kind they are naturally gifted at) is a vital part of education.  Today we're reviewing an art kit from Kidzaw.com that helps students create projects that resemble the masters and teaches important elements about that artist.   Master Kitz The Starry Night, available on Amazon and on their website here, equips students to create their own version of Vincent Van Gogh's famous painting.

In our kit we received 2 pieces of sturdy paper, 1 stencil, 1 page of stickers, 3 bottles of paint, 1 sponge roller, 1 patterned roller, 4 oil pastels, 1 page of instructions and 1 booklet of information on Vincent Van Gogh.

This photo was after we had used it so the paper is missing.

Since there were two pieces of paper, we planned from the start for J (almost 8) and miss Z (5) to each make one.  One of the first things I would note is that the stencil comes rolled up in the box.  When we set out to paint, I hadn't thought about that and the stencil was very difficult to keep flat.  We ended up having to tape it, but it wasn't ideal.  In the future, I would recommend flattening it out with a heavy book on top of it to make it more usable.

The second challenge was using the stickers the second time.  They did not come off of J's page very easily (some of them ripped) and then didn't stick to miss Z's very well. However, they were essentially just circle stickers of varying sizes that could be bought in any office or craft department. 

Other than that, the instructions were clear and the rest of the elements were easy to use.  After being introduced to this process, it can now be easily repeated with the addition of more paper and paint. 

Are you afraid of diving into art projects like this?  The kits from Kidzaw.com make it easy and guide you step by step.  If you want to take it further, you have been beautifully set up.  If you're just looking for an introduction, this fits the bill! They also have sculpting kits that look super interesting!  Check Kidzaw.com out on social media and find out what kind of an experience other families had by reading the Crew Reviews.

Kidzaw.com on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kidzaw-160167827376266/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kidzaw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kidzaw123?blend=1&ob=5

Thin Stix from The Pencil Grip, Inc. - A Review

With all of the great educational products I get to review, few of them are a great fit for most any family.  With varying ages and differing circumstances, the needs of each family will always be different.  Last year, however, I believe we found something that every family can use and enjoy! We were so excited to discover and review Kwik Stix!  This year The Pencil Grip, Inc. has a new product, Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors and we got to review that too!  This is definitely one of our absolute favorite product lines!

Kwik Stix are sticks of Tempera Paint in a solid form that glides onto paper smoothly and dries very quickly.  It's a genius idea and perfect for kids!  When it comes to painting it is hard not to cringe at the request simply because of the mess and clean-up involved.  The solid format and quick-drying aspects make it practically mess free and super easy to clean up! And all the parents rejoiced!!  I have seen them on sale at Target and they are always available on Amazon, with lots of different color options. 

The sticks that we reviewed last year are shaped like glue sticks.  This new product is longer, like a pen and the width of a thick marker, noticeably thinner than the original, hence the name Thin Stix.  The consistency is the same in both products - like writing with lipstick - but with the new thinner tip you can create detail more easily.  Things like writing words or drawing small objects is now possible and adds a different element to the work that can be created with them.  I played around with the Thin Stix myself just doodling, but felt a little limited without original Kwik Stix.  As I contemplated making something more substantial, I went and got out our stash of regular Kwik Stix in order to have both options available.  As I suspected, having both options really completed the tool box so to speak.  Backgrounds and coloring in pictures went faster with the original Kwik Stix and details were noticeably easier with the Thin Stix.  

I think it goes without saying that my kids used them with ease and loved the whole process.  What I find fascinating and convicting is how addicting their use can be to adults.  Anywhere they are placed in the path of adults where they are welcomed to use them and create, people start surprising themselves.  As a society, we just don't freely create as adults the way our brains and bodies enjoy.  Think of restaurants with paper table cloths and crayons lying around.  Most people will pick up a crayon and doodle, at minimum.  It might bring a few giggles (and that's probably good for your mental health too!), but I would love to see after dinner creativity become a thing, like coffee and dessert.  Kwik Stix are the perfect medium to jumpstart it I think! They are easy to use, but the result looks like you've invested some time in painting - very satisfying!

Thin Stix are an excellent addition to the Kwik Stix family and I'll be excited to see what they come out with next!   Follow The Pencil Grip on Social Media: 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thepencilgrip/     Tag: @thepencilgrip   
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thepencilgrip     Tag:@thepencilgrip   
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KwikStixPaint/boards/   Tag: @KwikStixPaint/boards 

Music Matters: A Greater Purpose for Piano Lessons

As a piano teacher, I see the values of music every day.  What I often see in parents is a struggle.  They try piano for a short while and when the child loses interest another activity is found to supplant it.  I meet parents painfully unaware of what learning an instrument, especially the piano, can do for a child’s development and future. 

Most parents consider piano lessons with some trepidation.  Lessons mean not just time, but an expense that may not be seen as worthwhile if a child eventually becomes disinterested.  Some delay until middle school age in an attempt to encourage a stronger commitment.   The parents that do invest in lessons might have dreams of a concert pianist and world-famous performances.  While that is a direction your child can go with the right amount of commitment, I want to encourage you that it isn’t the only reason to play the piano as a child.  The skill of learning to play the piano provides three important skills that will equip them for many aspects of adulthood.

1) Music Literacy.  Except for the few play-by-ear prodigies, to play the piano means you learn to read music.  The skill of reading music opens the door to multiple options in the future.  When you decide to learn another instrument, sing in choir, join a band, or audition for the latest teenage idol show, you are prepared.  Reading music encourages and reinforces better math and reading skills.  Like reading a book, once the skill of reading music is mastered, you won’t likely forget how to do it.  Performing on an instrument may go by the wayside without practice, but the ability to read and thereby appreciate a musical score will always be there.

2) A Marketable Service.  Growing up, I didn’t intend to be a piano teacher, but doing so has allowed me to stay home and be able to homeschool my children while making extra income for our family.  The years of lessons had given me the knowledge to at least teach young students and as long as there are children in the world, there will continue to be new piano students.  Accompanists (someone who accompanies on the piano others performing music) are hard to find and (if you’re any good) are well compensated for their services.  Weddings and events often pay for the services of musicians.  All of these are avenues you can make at least a part time income with a large amount of flexibility.  No matter what else you do with your life, these are jobs that can be a blessing to your financial future.

3) Opportunity to Serve.  Pianists make better singers.  Singers make better pianists.  One or both are usually present at the important events in our life.  There is an opportunity in both secular and religious capacities to serve with music.  Music therapy is a growing industry as well that is becoming more recognized for its benefits to those in need.  The need is always there and serving is always a blessing.

Whenever your family has the opportunity to participate in learning music, never hesitate.  You and those around you will be blessed for years to come. 

This was originally published at  Homeschooling with Heart, The Old Schoolhouse Blog.

Early Elementary Art Curriculum: An ARTistic Pursuits Inc. Review

Last year about this time, my husband and I attended our first homeschool convention here in Oklahoma and one of the booths we came back to a couple of times was ARTistic Pursuits, Inc. When I was given the chance to review it, I knew it would be a good fit!  From Preschool to High School, ARTistic Pursuits offers a comprehensive art education.  You can choose from their 10 age level curriculum books and 3 Sculpture Technique books.  For this review we received Early Elementary K-3 Book One: An Introduction to the Visual Arts. This book contains 36 lessons with at least one project per lesson.  At the front of the book, after the table of contents, is a materials page that provides a list of everything you will need throughout the duration of the lessons.  Their website does offer art supply packs for each book so that you can purchase all of them at once or recommends Blick Art Materials for buying individual supplies at a discount.  We had a few things already on hand like drawing paper, construction paper and scissors, and the rest we found on Amazon pretty easily.  Once we had everything we needed, getting started was easy.  I don't know about your kids, but mine LOVE the idea of creating anything and when I said something about art lessons they would beg for it!  With new to them supplies like watercolor crayons or the oil pastels, it took a little extra work to slow them down.  They had no clue what to do but they wanted to do it in fast forward.  

The book is divided into three sections: What Artists Do, What Artists See and Where We Find Art.  Each lesson can stand on it's own and skipping around is certainly an option, depending on your needs and purpose.  Since we had yet to begin any official art curriculum I chose to start at the beginning and work through it.  Each lesson has a couple of pages of text to read to the students with some observation exercises or discussion of some master art works.  This takes about 5-10 minutes usually.  Since we are starting on the low end of the grade level my son could only touch the surface of some of the exercises, like observing certain details about an object but it was still very engaging.  Then a project follows where the student can work on their own (mostly, depending on the age) for about 30 minutes.  While each lesson can be related to other ones, all the information needed to teach each one is provided.  My husband is particularly good at drawing and the visual arts so whenever he had the chance to teach a lesson, we were all happy!  It's hard to be the teacher, housekeeper, cook and part-time anything else (writer, piano teacher, assistant) sometimes so subbing Mr. Butler in is always a good thing.  While you could add this in up to two or three times a week to a regular curriculum, because of Mr. Butler's involvement, this was a great evening activity before or after dinner.  

J's baseball field with watercolor crayons

Since we only used the first book of early elementary, I can only speak about it, but overall none of us had any complaints.  The lessons were brief enough, but left open many possibilities for extending them.  Each lesson was independent but also perfect to combine with other curriculum especially when it came to history and cultures.  All of the actual art content did not seem watered down, but straight forward while also being age appropriate.  I had never worked with watercolor crayons before, but now my 5 year old and almost 3 year old know how they work!  Since the content of the book is not consumable, we can use these books over again with other kids, or just again to see how we can improve or gain another layer of understanding.  In my mind it is a very productive investment.

Miss Z can never be left out!

Do you have kids at a different grade level than mine? Several of the different books were reviewed so feel free to look around for reviews of the books more age appropriate at the link below.

Kwik Stix Review: No-Mess Painting!

Get ready to add something new to your must-have list in every home, classroom, and kid art studio! The Pencil Grip, Inc. is known for line of grips and other educational therapeutic products and now they have added a product you will most certainly use in your home!  I am typically more of a low-key person when it comes to new things, but this is one of the coolest things I've ever used. Tempera painting is super fun for children and adults alike and a great part of any art curriculum.  The trouble is the mess.  Even as adults you just can't get around it sometimes.  Kwik Stix  Solid Tempera Paint from The Pencil Grip, Inc. is the perfect compromise.  

For this review The Pencil Grip, Inc. sent us a Kwik Stix 12 pk, but also generously threw in their signature product, a pencil grip and an extra dark blue kwik stick! At first glance the Kwik Stix simply look like colored glue sticks and work the same with a removable cap and twist-able bottom for more thickness of paint.  The magical part is how quickly they dry with a tempera paint-like finish. They look and feel slightly sticky going on in the way lipstick might feel on paper, but literally in seconds it is dry to the touch.  The label claims it is dry in 90 seconds, but for most pictures it didn't even require a third of that time.  Not only does that mean easy clean up and no messy hands, but you can stack or file all of the artwork almost immediately.

Our 12 pack has given us a great variety of colors and my family (including Mr. Butler) has used them a lot with no sign of running low, but they do come in packages of 6, 12, and a classroom pack of 96 with a neon or metallic set as well.  We found these paints to be a fantastic asset that both my 5 year old and 2 year old loved equally, along with several adults that tried them being highly intrigued.  I'm sure these could fall into the same category with adult coloring books as things we would all enjoy spending more time than we should with.  As much as I adore my kids being creative, every time painting is mentioned, I wince a little bit just because it requires so much supervision and clean up at their age.  With Kwik Stix - and I know  I'm going to sound like a commercial here but it's the truth - all I have to do is tell J to go get some paper and the sticks.  Supervision and clean up is minimal! I can focus on something else with no pang of concern!  

  

Kwik Stix are the perfect gift for birthdays and holidays because they are consumable.  They provide a creative experience with endless possibilities that continues each time they are engaged again.  The best kind of gift in my book!

Freedom

Sculpture by: Zenos Frudakis "Freedom" 

This picture was floating around facebook a while back and it caught my eye.  As most works of art can, this can be interpreted many ways, depending on your perspective.  Freedom, to me, has always been complicated.  Freedom requires taking away some restraint, but absolute freedom leads to destruction eventually.  There's nothing like the liberating feeling of freedom, as the sculpture suggests, but there's nothing so painful as the regret of squandered opportunity in the name of freedom.  How do you balance freedom with order and control?