Art Masters
By Dale K. Dykema of Covenant Home Curriculum
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Art Masters, by Dale K. Dykema of Covenant Home Curriculum. Cost: $10. Available at Covenant Home Curriculum. Recommended for 5th grade and up.
Art Masters strikes out on a different path than most art appreciation programs by addressing art other than painting. Rev. Dykema's creative approach is sure to jumpstart interest in even the most reluctant art student and to inspire interested students to new heights. Art Masters consists of a folder containing thirteen four-page folios on the topics below. A general idea of some points in the lesson is in parentheses.
The Meaning of Art (the beauty of art from a Christian point of view)
Rocks and Gems (gem cuts, gems, gold, and silver in the Bible)
Trees (appreciating of the beauty of trees)
Birds and Animals (animals in the Bible)
Poetry in the Bible
Patterns I (Seeing spirals and geometric explosions in our world)
Patterns II (meanders, branching, vortex streets -- shapes in nature)
Patterns III (bubbles, cracking -- observing elasticity in nature)
Ornamentation (ornamentation in different cultures)
Architecture I (appreciating the beauty of structures)
Architecture II (Houses -- specific styles of architecture)
Architecture III (Churches -- studying cathedrals)
Calligraphy (appreciating beautiful handwriting)
The folios give a brief overview of the topic along with a glossary, suggestions for projects, and occasionally a recommendation of a book for further study. The folios are decorated with lovely black and white drawings that illustrate the concepts and increase interest.
Art Masters is truly a program to support Christian studies. Each topic is related back to the Bible and personal growth, and students are encouraged to look for God's handiwork in both nature and man-made creations. It is, however, only an outline with basic information and is designed to get you started in the right direction. Depth of study is encouraged with the "projects and plans" section, but it is up to the parent and the student to find resources for further research.
Recommendation: Art Masters has a special place with homeschooling families who follow the Charlotte Mason approach or others with an interest in observing and appreciating the beauty of God's world. I particularly like the way the author encourages observation of specific things in nature that would normally not be noticed. Its format lends itself to spending as much time as you wish on a subject, digging deeper or skimming over topics. This program is a fantastic illustration of how to weave Christian world view into studies.
If you are looking for a scripted, fully featured art appreciation program, Art Masters is not the right one for you. It is an excellent, thought provoking starting place for expanding your appreciation of beauty in unexpected places. At $10, Art Masters is a superb value for the family who enjoys deeper thoughts and meanings.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
Interview with Rev. Dykema
HomeschoolChristian.com's Art Page with many resources for studying art!
Review of Art Games
Review of Atelier
Review of Come Look With Me
Review of Calvert's Discovering Art
Review of Drawing Basics with Thomas Kinkade
Review of Drawing Breakthrough Book
Review of Lifepac Art from Alpha Omega
Review of Paint By Grids
Review of Teaching Geography Through Art
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