Studying art is something homeschoolers may find difficult. After all, an art study requires supplies, resources, and creativity. If you are a budget homeschooler or you don’t feel artistic, it can be challenging to do homeschool art projects. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Even the most “artistically challenged” homeschooling parent can offer their kids a great experience with homeschool art curriculum!
Homeschool resources have come a long way in the last decade, making it easier than ever to find various options for every subject. While some parents view art as nonessential, their children may be passionate about art regardless. As parents, we want to encourage their creativity!
It’s always possible art could even become their future career, so it’s important to provide opportunities for celebrating their creative skills.
Studying art has led to some of the biggest industries in our society: theater, movies, video games, music, graphic design, videography, website design, and more. These are often what we turn to for entertainment at home, distance education, supplemental learning resources, free homeschool art curriculum, online homeschooling, etc. Art plays a vital role in our world.
If you lack natural artistic talent (like myself), you can still give your children ample opportunities for learning art.
In this article, I’m sharing our favorite homeschool art projects, helpful art resources, and popular homeschool art curriculum options!
Three Styles of Art for Homeschoolers
To start, it’s helpful to define the styles of art in our modern society. While not every type of art fits perfectly within just one category, these subsections of art can be helpful for homeschool art lessons. Each of these styles is unique and engages different senses. All of them, however, employ elements of artistic effort!
Art is divided into three categories: visual, performing, and applied.
There are almost innumerable ways to include studying art in your homeschool. At first thought, homeschool art projects may bring painting or pottery to mind.
However, art can be so much more. Just consider the amazing art museums around the globe!
It can be challenging to think “outside the box” for art opportunities. I remember my art class days and have trouble imagining beyond the visual art projects from those memories. (Did anyone else find it more challenging than spelling or writing?!)
But, visual arts can feel boring to some kids. When researching homeschool art curriculum, consider if your child will enjoy any of these other options. Here are examples of each art style!
Visual Arts
- Photography
- Visual Effects
- Filmmaking
- Painting
- Sketching
- Calligraphy
Performing Arts
- Audio Engineering
- Theater (Live acting, opera)
- Dance (ballet, ballroom, tap, jazz, contemporary, etc.)
- Music (i.e. instruments, singing, mixing, producing)
- Films (Acting, editing, directing, producing, writing, etc.)
- Magic Shows
- Stand-Up Comedy
Applied Arts
- Creative Writing
- Pottery/Ceramics
- Sculptures
- Origami
- Interior Design
- Jewelry Design
- Architecture
- Fashion Design
- Woodwork/Carpentry
Homeschool Art Projects for the Visual Arts
Even if you don’t have a fine arts museum nearby to explore, there are plenty of options for homeschool art projects. However, if your city does offer a fine arts museum, a field trip will enrich your homeschool art curriculum!
Either way, there are several fantastic art resources for homeschoolers.
The visual arts are easily one of the simplest art forms to enjoy while homeschooling. Visual arts are also lots of fun because they are often hands-on and messy! Instant hours of fun!
Essential art supplies for young children:
- Watercolors
- Paintbrushes
- Crayons
- Color-by-numbers
- Sketch templates
- Markers
- Construction paper
- Glitter glue
- Colored pencils
- Coloring books
For fun DIYs and homeschool art projects, there are plenty of arts and crafts inspiration on websites like Pinterest.
When your kids are young, these basic crafts are a simple solution for a nearly free homeschool art curriculum.
Here are five of our personal favorite projects!
Homeschool Art Curriculum for the Performing Arts
The performing arts are often taught by certified teachers in a class setting. For example, students can learn to dance from a young age with local classes.
However, in our age of technology, there are increasingly more opportunities to learn artistic skills online. There are especially several websites for online music lessons. Many instructors have turned to Zoom or Skype for remote lessons.
On the other hand, though professional lessons are the traditional choice for the performing arts, there are also tools available for self-teaching.
These self-paced courses could be a great alternative for a free homeschool art curriculum!
To get started, here are five options popular with the homeschooling community!
Art Curriculum Homeschool Resources for the Applied Arts
The applied arts are a fun option for homeschool art lessons. Studying art does not have to feel limited to art museums or fine arts. Art for homeschool is more than learning about the history and significance of famous artists, pieces, or signatures.
Art includes any style of design, creation, and expression. For example, creative writing belongs to both Language Arts and the applied arts. Creative writing is even considered fine art!
The applied arts can be an exciting alternative to the classic homeschooling art curriculum!
To get started on adding applied arts to your homeschool schedule, take a look at these five ideas.
Resources for Homeschool Art Projects
Even if you are a creative person and you have grand plans for your homeschool art curriculum, you will need solid art resources! Quality art supplies and art history materials add depth to a homeschool art curriculum.
To find art classes and programs, take a look around in your community or on Facebook for a resource that interests your child.
Art for homeschoolers doesn’t have to be intimidating, even for parents lacking artistic talent! Sometimes you just have to outsource a homeschool class or enroll in an online program. And that’s okay! It’s all about providing your child with the opportunities they need.
Here are a few great websites to complement art curriculum homeschool lessons!
- Community Workshops.
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- Find these at libraries, recreation centers, churches, community centers, art supply shops, hobby shops, and so on.
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- Community Colleges.
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- Dual enrollment, workshops, online classes, or in-person classes.
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- Art Studios.
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- Artists are passionate about sharing their interests. Local artists may offer classes or day camps.
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- Museums.
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- Children’s museums are especially a good place to find pamphlets or information about artistic opportunities for your children in your area.
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- Homeschool Co-ops.
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- Word-of-mouth recommendations from other homeschooling parents are almost always the best resources. Find a local homeschool support group here to learn more about what is being offered in your community.
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- Drawing and Painting Lessons for Kids.
