Visual Arts Curriculum

Develop creativity, visual skills, and artistic expression through drawing, painting, digital art, and multimedia projects that foster imagination and technical mastery.

Art Develops the Whole Person

Art education enhances creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Visual arts improve spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and cultural awareness while providing outlets for self-expression and personal growth that benefit all areas of learning and life.

Interactive Digital Art Studio

Create digital artwork using our interactive drawing tool. Practice techniques, follow tutorials, and experiment with colors, brushes, and composition in a safe, creative environment.

Digital Art Studio

Tools

Brush Settings

Colors

#000000

Canvas

#ffffff

Art Tutorials

Drawing • Size: 5px • Color: #000000
Digital Art Tips:
  • • Use layers by saving different versions of your work as you progress
  • • Start with light colors and build up darker tones gradually
  • • Practice basic shapes before attempting complex subjects
  • • Don't be afraid to use the eraser - it's a drawing tool too!
  • • Study reference images to improve your observation skills
  • • Experiment with different brush sizes for varied line weights

Visual Arts Disciplines

Drawing & Illustration

  • • Pencil drawing and shading techniques
  • • Pen and ink illustration
  • • Charcoal and pastels
  • • Perspective and proportion
  • • Figure drawing and portraiture
  • • Still life and observational drawing
  • • Character design and storytelling
  • • Technical and architectural drawing

Painting & Color Theory

  • • Watercolor techniques and washes
  • • Acrylic painting methods
  • • Oil painting fundamentals
  • • Color mixing and harmony
  • • Composition and design principles
  • • Landscape and plein air painting
  • • Abstract and experimental techniques
  • • Mixed media and texture creation

Digital Art & Design

  • • Digital painting and illustration
  • • Photo manipulation and editing
  • • Graphic design principles
  • • Logo and brand identity design
  • • Web and UI/UX design basics
  • • Animation and motion graphics
  • • 3D modeling and rendering
  • • Portfolio development and presentation

Sculpture & 3D Arts

  • • Clay modeling and ceramics
  • • Wire and armature construction
  • • Papier-mâché and recycled materials
  • • Wood carving and whittling
  • • Found object assemblage
  • • Installation and environmental art
  • • 3D printing and digital fabrication
  • • Kinetic and interactive sculptures

Photography & Visual Media

  • • Camera basics and composition
  • • Natural and artificial lighting
  • • Portrait and landscape photography
  • • Street photography and photojournalism
  • • Macro and nature photography
  • • Digital editing and post-processing
  • • Photo storytelling and essays
  • • Alternative processes and experiments

Crafts & Applied Arts

  • • Fiber arts and textile design
  • • Jewelry making and metalworking
  • • Printmaking and block printing
  • • Bookbinding and paper arts
  • • Calligraphy and lettering
  • • Pottery and functional ceramics
  • • Woodworking and furniture design
  • • Traditional and cultural crafts

Artistic Development Path

Creative Exploration (Ages 3-7)

Sensory Experiences

  • • Finger painting and texture exploration
  • • Collage with various materials
  • • Sand, water, and natural material art
  • • Large motor movement in art
  • • Color mixing and discovery
  • • Stamping and printing activities

Creative Expression

  • • Free-form drawing and scribbling
  • • Story illustration and imagination
  • • Simple craft projects
  • • Seasonal and holiday art
  • • Art appreciation through games
  • • Museum and gallery visits

Skill Building (Ages 8-12)

Technical Foundations

  • • Basic drawing skills and observation
  • • Color theory and mixing
  • • Simple perspective and proportion
  • • Introduction to various media
  • • Art history and famous artists
  • • Cultural art traditions

Project-Based Learning

  • • Self-portraits and family drawings
  • • Nature studies and scientific illustration
  • • Community art projects
  • • Art across curriculum integration
  • • Beginning digital art exploration
  • • Art criticism and reflection

Artistic Mastery (Ages 13+)

Advanced Techniques

  • • Realistic drawing and painting
  • • Advanced composition and design
  • • Specialized media mastery
  • • Contemporary art movements
  • • Experimental and abstract work
  • • Professional portfolio development

Career Preparation

  • • Art school and college preparation
  • • Professional art business skills
  • • Gallery exhibition experience
  • • Art criticism and writing
  • • Teaching and mentoring others
  • • Art therapy and community service

Creative Art Projects

Family Portrait Series

Create portraits of family members using different artistic styles and media, exploring personality and relationships.

Skills: Portraiture, observation, proportion, various media, personal expression

Community Mural Design

Design a mural for your neighborhood, incorporating local history, culture, and community values.

Skills: Large-scale design, community engagement, research, public art, collaboration

Scientific Illustration

Create detailed, accurate illustrations of plants, animals, or natural phenomena for educational purposes.

Skills: Observation, accuracy, scientific method, technical drawing, research

Cultural Art Study

Research and recreate traditional art forms from different cultures, learning about history and significance.

Skills: Cultural awareness, research, traditional techniques, global perspective

Stop-Motion Animation

Create a short animated film using stop-motion techniques, combining art, storytelling, and technology.

Skills: Animation, storytelling, patience, technology, project planning

Recycled Art Installation

Create an environmental art piece using recycled materials, addressing sustainability and creativity.

Skills: Environmental awareness, resourcefulness, 3D design, problem-solving

Art Learning Resources

Free Resources

Google Arts & Culture

Virtual museum tours, art history, and interactive art experiences from around the world.

Explore Art

YouTube Art Channels

Free art tutorials, technique demonstrations, and artist spotlights from professional artists.

Watch Tutorials

Local Museums

Visit local art museums, galleries, and cultural centers for inspiration and education.

In-Person

Essential Art Supplies

Basic Drawing Kit

Pencils (2H to 6B), erasers, blending stumps, sketchbooks, and drawing paper.

Drawing

Painting Essentials

Watercolors or acrylics, brushes, palette, canvas or watercolor paper, and water containers.

Painting

Digital Art Tools

Drawing tablet, stylus, art software (Procreate, Photoshop, GIMP), and computer or tablet.

Digital

Programs & Books

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Classic book teaching fundamental drawing skills through perception and observation exercises.

Book

Artistic Pursuits

Structured art curriculum with art history, technique instruction, and hands-on projects.

Curriculum

Local Art Classes

Community centers, art studios, and co-op classes for hands-on instruction and peer interaction.

Classes

Art Theory & History Assessment

Test your understanding of art concepts, color theory, art history, and creative techniques. Great for reinforcing lessons and building art vocabulary.

Art Quiz

Question 1 of 1

10:00
Progress100%

Primary colors cannot be created by mixing other colors.

easy

Art Worksheets & Templates

Download printable worksheets, project templates, and activity guides to supplement your art education. These resources include drawing exercises, color theory worksheets, art history activities, and project planning templates.

Downloadable Resources Library

20 resources available
worksheet

Times Tables Practice Sheets

Printable multiplication worksheets for mastering times tables 1-12

Age: elementaryDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 2.1 MB
multiplicationtimes tablesbasic math+1 more
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guide

Geometry Shapes Reference Guide

Visual guide to 2D and 3D shapes with properties and formulas

Age: middleDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 1.8 MB
geometryshapesformulas+1 more
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template

Family Budget Planning Template

Real-world math application for family financial planning

Age: highDifficulty: advanced
Format: HTMLSize: 0.5 MB
financial literacybudgetingreal-world math+1 more
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worksheet

Interactive Periodic Table Worksheet

Fill-in-the-blank periodic table with element properties exercise

Age: middleDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 1.2 MB
chemistryperiodic tableelements+1 more
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checklist

Home Science Lab Safety Checklist

Essential safety guidelines for conducting science experiments at home

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 0.8 MB
safetylab procedureshome experiments+1 more
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template

Nature Observation Journal Template

Structured pages for recording nature observations and scientific drawings

Age: elementaryDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 2.5 MB
nature studyobservationscientific method+1 more
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worksheet

Creative Writing Prompts Collection

50 engaging writing prompts to spark imagination and creativity

Age: middleDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 1.1 MB
creative writingpromptsimagination+1 more
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template

Book Report Template

Structured template for analyzing and reporting on books read

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 0.7 MB
reading comprehensionbook analysisreports+1 more
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worksheet

Daily Drawing Exercise Sheets

Progressive drawing exercises to build fundamental art skills

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 3.2 MB
drawingpracticefundamentals+1 more
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template

Color Theory Wheel Template

Blank color wheel template for learning color relationships

Age: elementaryDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 0.9 MB
color theorycolor wheelpainting+1 more
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worksheet

Algorithm Practice Problems

Paper-based coding challenges to develop logical thinking

Age: highDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 1.4 MB
algorithmslogicproblem solving+1 more
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template

Coding Project Planning Template

Template for planning and organizing programming projects

Age: middleDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 0.6 MB
project planningorganizationdevelopment process
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template

Weekly Homeschool Planner

Comprehensive weekly planning template for homeschool families

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 1.0 MB
planningorganizationschedule+1 more
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guide

Educational Field Trip Planning Guide

Complete guide for planning and maximizing educational field trips

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 2.0 MB
field tripsexperiential learningplanning+1 more
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checklist

Daily Focus Practice Log

Track daily focus training sessions, progress, and improvements over time

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 600 KB
focusdaily practiceprogress tracking+1 more
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guide

Complete Parent Guide to Teaching Focus

Comprehensive guide for parents on how to teach focus skills to children of all ages

Age: allDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 2.1 MB
parent guidefocus trainingteaching strategies+1 more
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project

Single-Task Activity Cards

Printable cards with everyday activities for practicing single-task focus

Age: elementaryDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 1.2 MB
single-taskingactivity cardsfocus practice+1 more
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guide

Age-Appropriate Meditation Scripts

Guided meditation scripts for different age groups to build focus and calmness

Age: allDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 1.5 MB
meditationmindfulnessguided practice+1 more
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checklist

Focus Skills Progress Tracker

Visual progress tracker for concentration, memory, imagination, and mindfulness skills

Age: allDifficulty: beginner
Format: HTMLSize: 800 KB
progress trackingskills assessmentvisual charts+1 more
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project

Interactive Focus Games Collection

Collection of printable games and activities to make focus training fun and engaging

Age: middleDifficulty: intermediate
Format: HTMLSize: 2.8 MB
focus gamesmemory gamesattention training+1 more
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Resource Usage Tips:
  • • Print worksheets on cardstock for durability and repeated use
  • • Laminate templates so they can be used with dry-erase markers
  • • Keep a binder organized by subject for easy access to printed resources
  • • Many templates can be customized before printing - save digital copies first
  • • Use guides as reference materials during hands-on activities
  • • Share successful resources with other homeschooling families

Parent Teaching Guide

Supporting Young Artists

  • • Create a dedicated art space with good lighting and easy cleanup
  • • Focus on process and exploration rather than final products
  • • Display and celebrate your child's artwork prominently
  • • Provide variety in materials and encourage experimentation
  • • Visit museums, galleries, and artist studios regularly
  • • Learn alongside your child - you don't need to be an expert
  • • Connect art to other subjects and real-world experiences
  • • Encourage art as a form of communication and expression

Common Challenges & Solutions

"My child says they can't draw"

Emphasize that art is about seeing and practice, not talent. Start with simple observation exercises.

"Art supplies are expensive"

Start with basic materials and found objects. Quality matters less than creativity and exploration.

"I don't know how to teach art"

Provide materials and encouragement. Ask questions about their work and explore together.

"Art seems messy and chaotic"

Set up contained spaces and have cleanup supplies ready. Embrace mess as part of creativity.