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Over the years, I’ve tried to find different ways to incorporate art into our homeschool. We’ve used different books, curriculum, and I created some art projects for my kids. I want to share some of the homeschool art ideas we’ve used, so you can make art happen in your homeschool, too (even if you’re not an artsy person).
Now, I’ll admit that art can easily be pushed aside. We spend our time making sure the core subjects are taught, but if something needs to wait for another day, it would be art. Is it the same in your homeschool?
Sure, we did a lot of arts and craft projects in history and other subjects when my kids were younger. However, I wanted my kids to learn certain art techniques and skills, too. I’ve put together a list of homeschool art ideas that might help you.
Table of Contents
- Curriculum and Art Programs to Teach Homeschool Art
- Less Structured Homeschool Art Ideas
- Art Ideas Round-up
Curriculum and Art Programs to Teach Homeschool Art
Sometimes if you have an actual curriculum, it will help you incorporate art in your homeschool. You’ll have a plan to go by. It sort of makes it more “official” for lack of a better word. You know, like when you have a curriculum to follow for math or science. It may get planned in your day and done.
If you are looking for different curriculum and art resources to help teach certain skills look at 5+ Art Resources to Add to Your Homeschool Art Class. You will find homeschool art ideas that has full curriculum options (online or books), online sites, and some art program reviews. Check it out.
One resource that is not mentioned in the above list is SchoolhouseTeachers.com. It is a complete PreK-12 online curriculum. However, it includes many options for art, too. I’ve been taking the Drawing with Realism video classes (I will use it with my kids, too).
SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers so many art classes for all grade levels. Plus, I just love the variety of classes they offer in all subjects and grades.
A few more options are:
- Lily and Thistle– On this site, you will find watercolor classes with one option that focuses on nature. You can also find some free lessons, too.
- Outschool– Many different art classes are offered.
- Feed My Sheep– Grades 5 to adult. It works on many art forms plus color theory and art appreciation. You can find it on Amazon and Rainbow Resources.
- Beyond the Stick Figure– It is an online art program we enjoy! Sally has easy step-by-step videos for all ages to enjoy. I am an affiliate of the program because I really like it. Read my review of the drawing program HERE.
Less Structured Homeschool Art Ideas
Maybe you don’t want a structured art program. Some people like a more relaxed approach. If this is you, here are some ways to incorporate art in your homeschool that are less formal.
Holiday Arts and Crafts to Include in Your Homeschool
Holidays are an easy time to include art. There are a lot of craft ideas but also actual art ideas, too. I find this an easy way to include art, especially with younger kids. With teens, you need to get a little more creative.
At the beginning of each month, map out the up-coming holidays. You can even try some unconventional holidays like those that Homeschool Fanatic shares. She talks about a calendar she has that contains all kinds of off-beat holidays. I’m sure you can find some fun art projects around some of those ideas, too.
There are many different art projects you can find online (like Pinterest) that go with different holidays. It is an easy and fun way to include art.
If you explore my Pinterest site, you will find a board with Art Ideas. You can also check my different holiday and seasonal boards for other art ideas.
Below are some homeschool art ideas that you can find on my site.
- Valentine’s Crafts Older Kids Will Love: Here you find some craft ideas but also some art projects like making decorative mugs with sharpies and fabric heart cards. Both allow for artistic expression.
- St. Patrick’s Day Fun for Upper Elementary Kids– Most of the ideas are just fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with older kids, but there is a great art project in which kids learn to draw a Celtic Knot. It is so pretty.
- Christmas Cards– This is a tutorial on how to make some beautiful watercolor cards with teens. It can be for any age that is ready for watercolors, though.
- Simple Clay Ornaments– Again, this is a tutorial on making raised clay ornaments. However, you can allow your kids to get creative and learn how to sculpt with clay.
Seasonal Homeschool Art Ideas
Not only are holidays a great way to add in art, but the changing seasons also bring many fun art projects, too.
For instance, you can find many spring, summer, fall, and winter art projects. You can paint pictures of what trees look like each season or sculpt snowmen out of clay.
However, you can also find themes within each season. In the fall, you can make art around apples, pumpkins, leaves, etc.
Just like with holidays, plan out something each week to do with the current season.
One thing to consider is finding projects that use different art techniques. Maybe one week you work on perspective drawings (you know, looking down a city street and things look farther off), and the next week you are learning how to paint using pointillism like Georges Seurat.
I have a few seasonal resources that might help.
- Fall Art Projects– Learn about color contrast in paintings, make pinch pots, and try using oil pastels. You can find many different art projects even older kids will enjoy.
- Fall Op-Art– In this activity, kids learn an Op-Art technique to make fall leaves.
- Cool Op Art Flowers– Here kids learn a different Op-Art technique to create springtime flowers.
- Summer Op Art– Kids will learn to make some fun summer Op-Art. Step-by-step directions are provided.
Artist Study
Another fun way to incorporate art is by studying artists. You can study an artist and practice their art techniques. Find classic artists or local artists to study.
Make sure to include more than just painters. Study artists that sculpt, do mixed media, and other forms of art.
You might also want to consider studying artists within your history program. Look for artists in the time period, country, etc. that you are studying.
One of my favorite ways to study artists is through literature. You can find picture books (not just for little kids) about artists. A favorite series of mine is Mike Venezia’s World’s Greatest Artist series. He makes learning about artists so much fun. You may be able to find his books at your local library.
Miscellaneous Homeschool Art Projects
Now, one way to motivate kids to create art is to make their own art supplies to use! Below you can find directions on how to make your own chalk, watercolors, and clay.
Art Ideas Round-up
Including Art in your homeschool doesn’t need to be hard. It all depends on what works best for you. Choose what fits your art goals and homeschool schedule.
A Structured Homeschool Art Program may be for you if:
- You probably won’t do art unless you have a structured art program.
- There are teens in your home. Teens may like a structured art program that works on a particular art technique like drawing, painting, sculpting etc.
- You have specific skills you want your kids to learn.
A relaxed art program may be for you if:
- You like to incorporate art on your own time schedule.
- The kids in your home like to find their own art techniques to work on.
- You like including art in your other subjects, holidays, and specific themes.
- Your homeschool takes a relaxed or unschooling approach.
I hope the ideas above help you find some new homeschool art ideas. Art can be so fun. Use some of these suggestions to help you incorporate art in you homeschool on a regular basis.
Fantastic ideas! Art was what always got put the next day, or the next week. Thanks for providing great solutions and ideas!
Thanks, Jennifer. I’m always trying to find ways to make art happen and not get put off another day. Glad you liked the ideas.