Artistic Pursuits Book One Visual Arts — Grades K–3
This is the curriculum I wish I'd started with from the beginning. Artistic Pursuits K–3 does something most art books for kids don't — it actually teaches the vocabulary, elements, and techniques of visual art in a logical sequence, not just a series of cute projects.
Each lesson introduces a concept (like line, shape, or color), connects it to real fine art, and then guides your child through a hands-on activity that reinforces it. The lessons are short — most take 30 to 45 minutes — and the teacher instruction is clear enough that you don't need an art background to pull it off. We've used it with kids who couldn't care less about sitting still, and it still worked because the projects are genuinely interesting.
The only real caveat: this book works best if you're willing to gather your own supplies. The curriculum tells you what you need, but nothing is bundled in.
- Teaches real art concepts, not just crafts
- Clear lesson structure — easy to teach cold
- Connects to famous artworks kids actually remember
- Short lessons fit a real homeschool day
- Multi-grade flexible — works well for mixed ages K–3
- Durable hardcover that holds up to daily use
- Supplies not included — you source your own
- Some supply lists require a modest budget
- Pacing is gentle — advanced kids may want more challenge faster
ARTistic Pursuits Elementary 4–5, Book One: Elements of Art
Once your child ages out of the K–3 book, this is the natural next step — and it's a worthy one. The 4–5 curriculum keeps the same reliable format (concept → fine art connection → hands-on project) but expects more from the student. The projects are more involved, the vocabulary goes deeper, and kids are pushed to observe and think more critically about what they're making.
The "Elements of Art" focus — line, shape, form, color, value, texture, space — gives kids a real foundation they'll carry into any future art study. This is the kind of thing that actually builds visual literacy, not just motor skills. If your child finished K–3 and loved it, this book keeps the momentum going without any drop in quality.
Same caveat as K–3: plan your supply list ahead. Lessons are also a touch longer, so budget closer to 45–60 minutes per session.
- Perfect continuation from the K–3 book
- Strong emphasis on the formal elements of art
- More intellectual depth than craft-focused alternatives
- Fine art examples are age-appropriate and engaging
- Well-written teacher instructions — no art degree required
- Supplies not included — requires upfront planning
- Lessons run longer than K–3 book
- Best used after the K–3 book or with kids already curious about art
Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media
Art Lab for Kids is a different kind of resource — and that's worth being clear about upfront. It's not a structured curriculum. It's 52 project-based "labs" organized loosely by medium: drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media. There's no scope and sequence, no formal vocabulary instruction, and no art history component.
What it is: genuinely fun, beautifully photographed, and easy to pick up any time. For families who want to add some creative play to their week without a lot of planning, this is wonderful. The projects are well-designed and actually work — they don't require expensive supplies, and the instructions are clear enough for kids to read themselves once they're old enough.
Use this as a supplement to a structured curriculum or as a low-pressure way to keep art in your schedule during busy seasons. Just don't expect it to teach your child to draw, analyze composition, or understand art history — it's not trying to do that.
- Extremely low prep — open and go
- 52 varied projects keeps things fresh all year
- Beautiful photos guide each project clearly
- Inexpensive, accessible supplies throughout
- Great for mixed ages — a wide range can use it together
- Encourages experimentation, not just following steps
- Not a curriculum — no teaching sequence or scope
- No art vocabulary, history, or formal instruction
- Won't build art skills systematically on its own
- Best as a supplement, not a standalone program
Our Pick: Which One Is Right for You?
Here's the honest summary after using and comparing all three:
| Product | Best For | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Artistic Pursuits K–3 Top Pick | Grades K–3, structured learning | The most complete, teachable art curriculum for young homeschoolers. Worth every penny. |
| Artistic Pursuits 4–5 | Grades 4–5, continuing students | A strong continuation. Buy this when your child finishes K–3 and wants to keep going deeper. |
| Art Lab for Kids | All ages, supplement or low-prep days | Great creative resource, but not a curriculum. Pair it with Artistic Pursuits or use it solo for relaxed years. |
If you're starting from scratch with a K–3 child, buy Artistic Pursuits K–3 first. It will give your child a real art education — one built on understanding, not just doing. Then add Art Lab for Kids when you want to loosen things up or keep art going during a lighter school week.
For 4th and 5th graders, go straight to the Artistic Pursuits 4–5 book. The structure is the same, the quality holds, and you'll feel the investment is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — and this is one of the biggest reasons Artistic Pursuits stands out. The teacher instructions are written for parents who aren't artists. You'll know exactly what to say, what to demonstrate, and what to look for in your child's work. Many homeschool parents have used this curriculum without any formal art training and felt completely confident.
Art Lab for Kids is even more hands-off — your child can often lead themselves through the projects with minimal guidance from you.
With Artistic Pursuits K–3, most families do one lesson per week and spend 30–45 minutes on it. Some weeks run a little longer if supplies take time to set up or if your child is deep in a project. Two lessons per week is doable if you're trying to move through the book faster, but one is plenty for steady, meaningful progress.
Art Lab for Kids is even more flexible — many projects take 20–30 minutes, so it's easy to fit in on a Friday afternoon or as an afternoon activity any day.
Yes, and this is one of its best features for multi-child homeschool families. The K–3 book is designed for a wide range and can be taught to a kindergartner and a third grader in the same lesson — the concepts are accessible to younger kids while still engaging older ones. You can adjust your expectations for the output based on each child's age and ability, but you're teaching one lesson, not three.
If your kids span K–3 and 4–5, you could teach the older child from the 4–5 book separately and let your younger kids work through K–3 together. Both books have the same format, so the routine will feel familiar.