Fine Art is often viewed as a fruit of the seven classial liberal arts. We struggled to find materials in our homeschools and classrooms that taught Studio Art, while staying true to the classical model of education and in line with Catholic values. Here we have compiled some of our favorite Classical Art Curriculum for Catholic Homeschools and Classrooms.
Classical Art at Home / Classical Art at School
Our experience with Classical Art at Home has been excellent. It is a beautiful curriculum that can be used across the ages, teaching fine art as a fruit of the seven liberal arts. The students receive the “laws” or “rules” needed to draw well. This is very important to our family, that art is taught in the classical tradition, with God at the center, and that the order and reason behind each decision are clearly explained so that the student learns the rules, applies them, and watches their own art progress! Similar to learning an instrument, the students in Classical Art at Home are studying the natural world around them as their notes, learning to read the music if you will, so they can create art. Focused on showing and helping students capture what is true, good, and beautiful, from a truth-life naturalist perspective, we are very thankful for Classical Art at Home!
Pros:
- clothed figure drawing
- classically trained artist
- homeschool program or school program tailored to your needs
- affordable and can be used with the whole family
- catholic morals and values woven throughout
- teaches art using order, logic, and natural laws
- very personable and responsive husband/wife team
- in-person option for locals
- teaches with structure, yet allows for wiggle room spacing study intensive topics with “just for fun” application drawings
- art history taught along the way
- self paced and live online classes offered
Cons:
- geared toward highschool level (although this is adaptable!)
- online format may proove challenging for some – especially with the live classes
Overall impression: A great curriculum option for invested parents who are willing to play a part in internet safety and oversight in order to help the child learn from this modern classical artist!
St. Augustine Academy Press Art Education Through Religion
This series is beautiful and spans ages K-12. Developed in the late 1920s by Mary Gertrude McMunigle, the format is consistent with other graded curriculums. Two priests: Rev. Paul E. Campbell, A.M. LitD, oversaw this project and this homeschool or classroom art curriculum has an imprimatur!
The lessons are project based, with a focus on art and industrial design. The series is intended to teach virute and students can hope to gain many life skills as they work through the books and advanced in their studies.
Pros:
- graded books with one teacher manual for all
- project based
- teaches with structure, order, and intention
- God-centered faith based projects to learn common and neccessary applications
- practical skill based
- thought provoking as children devlop unique desgins and create within the boundries of the assignments
- teaches virtue
- imprimatur
Cons:
- no live classes or features
- not a studio or drawing course
Overall impression: A great curriculum option for parents looking for an weekly art program to use within their homeschool or teachers in their classroom to cover basic skills in interesting way while teaching the Truths of the Faith!
May your art studies be blessed and lead you to the Truth in the Holy Catholic Faith.