Homeschool Art Curriculum
Art is one of the easiest homeschool subjects to do well — and the easiest to skip. Here's a simple plan that actually happens.
Most homeschool families intend to do art. Many don't, because there's no curriculum forcing it. The fix is to make art a fixed weekly habit (one afternoon, one evening) and pair it with picture study (the Charlotte Mason practice of looking at one master painter per term) for cultural literacy alongside hands-on work.
Picture study: the 30-minute weekly practice
Pick six paintings by one artist per term (12 weeks). Display the painting prominently for one week. Look at it together for 5 minutes, twice. Discuss color, light, story, mood. By high school, your child has been deeply familiar with 60–80 master works. Curricula like Simply Charlotte Mason Picture Study Portfolios or Memoria Press Art Cards do all the picking.
Hands-on art: drawing and painting
The minimum: one drawing or painting session weekly. Programs like **Atelier** (full multi-year curriculum), **Drawing Textbook** (Bruce McIntyre — cheap, classic), **See the Light Art Class** (DVD-based), or **Masterpiece Society** (online) all work. For Charlotte Mason families, plein-air nature sketching counts.
Crafts and applied art
Sewing, knitting, weaving, woodworking, printmaking, calligraphy, ceramics — these all count as art and can become serious skills. Co-ops often run art and craft classes. For high school transcript, 0.5 credit per year of any consistent art practice usually counts as fine art.
High school fine art credit
Most colleges expect 1 credit of fine art on the transcript. This can be drawing, painting, music, theater, dance, photography, ceramics, or graphic design. Document hours (~150 per credit), retain samples, and write a 1–2 paragraph course description.
Who this is for
Families wanting to make art a real subject rather than an aspirational sticky note.
Resources & next steps
Frequently asked questions
How do I teach art if I can't draw?
You don't need to. Atelier, See the Light, and Masterpiece Society are all video-based — your child watches an artist demonstrate, then practices. You're the timekeeper and supply manager.
Does art count for high school credit?
Yes — most colleges accept 1 credit of fine art. Document time spent and a few samples; write a course description.
How much should I spend on art supplies?
Start with the basics: pencils, watercolors, paper, brushes ($50). Add as projects demand. Avoid 'art kit' subscription boxes — they're expensive and produce shallow work.
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