Living Books Curriculum & Picture Study

We’ve used these books. I think they are sweet and my children enjoyed them. They may not be ‘total cm’ but I think they are a great start. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think one of the main points of picture study, besides learning about some artists, is learning to enjoy art. So, in that regard, I say whatever works.

Blessings,

Cindy

This information is from an excellent blog at http://www.squidoo.com/cmartiststudy :

“Miss Mason suggested that a different artist be studied consistently for an entire term — up to 12 weeks. During that time, at least 6 different works of art by that same artist should be studied. That’s only one work of art for every two weeks! Very doable!

But of course, you can do one work each week or even one each day. The point is that you focus on one artist and immerse yourselves in his style, his methods, and his images until you know that artist.

This artist study is mainly done through what CM called picture talks. During this lesson, your role as teacher is so easy. You just let the art speak to the child. You don’t say much if anything. Just let the art speak to the child. The little that you do say may include some background relevant to the painting, the artist, or the time period. But by no means do you need to give a lecture about the work.

Don’t let the term ‘picture talk’ mislead you. You don’t have to do all the talking! The child should be doing most of the talking as he describes what he sees and admires in the painting.

Then leave the art work available to be seen through out the week until another piece of art is studied.”

I would say this is pretty much what we do with our 6-and-up children. If you have any teenagers then art study can be implemented easily into history studies. I am of the opinion that by laying a foundation for art appreciation first, then the children have a framework from which to hang art history. For the younger ones we use the “Child-Size Masterpieces” series by Aline Wolf simply to play games and whet the appetite of their little eyes to great art. Then we add to this collection with library books and coffee table art books as needed. Birdcage Books also makes three card games based on masterpieces of art: Renaissance, Impressionists, and Van Gogh and Friends. You can usually find them on Amazon. We use them to play Go Fish and Memory and so far we have all enjoyed them a lot. I hope that helps a bit, I didn’t intend to write a novella here, I guess art is dear to my heart! (Sorry for the corny rhyme, it’s late at night!)

Mamasong