ARTistic Pursuits Art Instruction Books with DVD and Blu-Ray(GradesK-3~ Review)

I have been a fan of ARTistic Pursuits Inc. for quite some time, both reviewing and purchasing seperately, various titles for use. Although I no longer have a K-3rd grader, which is the target age for their new series, ARTistic Pursuits Art Instruction Books with DVD and Blu-Ray, I requested the title Art of the Middle Ages to review, so that I could compare/contrast with their previous books, and give an educated opinion if anyone in my local support group (or online) asked.

The entire series (Which replaces the three 2013 editions) :

• K-3 Vol.1 ART FOR CHILDREN, Building a Visual Vocabulary
• K-3 Vol.2 ART OF THE ANCIENTS
• K-3 Vol.3 ART OF THE MIDDLE AGES
• K-3 Vol.4 ARTISTS THAT SHAPED THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
• K-3 Vol. 5 ART OF THE NORTHERN COUNTRIES, RENAISSANCE TO REALISM
• K-3 Vol. 6 ART OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS

One of the major differences with this book is that it includes video instruction via DVD or Blue Ray. (Side note~ your mileage may vary, but our smart TV did NOT like the disc that was sent, but thankfully my computer DVD drive behaved itself, so we were able to view them. I usually prefer physical DVD's, but as my technology is aging, I am beginning to see the value in streaming/download options, which might be something for ARTistic Pursuits to consider.)

Lessons in this book. (Projects in Parenthesis)

• Paper Loom Weave (Mat, and Paper Crown, which is one of the projects we did, pictured above)
• People on the Move ~ Brooch in the Shape of a Bird (Paper Woven Beast)
• Art in Monasteries ~ Medieval Illumination ~ (Initial Page)
• Art in Basilicas ~ Byzantine Mosaics (Construction Paper Mosaic)
• Art to Instruct ~ 
• Gothic Panel Painting (Tissue Paper Panel Drawing~ This is one I want to try at some point, because it's really pretty!) 
• Saint Francis with Scenes from his Life (Panel Relief)
• Art in Churches~ Romanesque Altarpiece (Paper Collage)
• Stitching
• Art on Fabric~ Medieval Textiles 
• (Burlap drawn and stiched panel)
• Straw Loom Weave
• Art in Castles ~ Medieval Tapestry (Outdoor Picture using weaving and stitching)
• Book Binding
• Art in the Bestiary ~ English Bestiary (Bestiary Picture)
• Low-Relief ~
• (Coat of Arms/Shield)
• Art on Book Covers ~ Treasure Binding (Treasure Bound Book~ The other project we did ~ Very involved, but cool ~ Pictured Below)
• The Icon ~ Eastern Orthodox Iconography
• Raised PIcture
• Art in Windows ~ Gothic Glass (Contruction Paper Stained Glass Window)
• Art on Buildings ~ Gothic Architecture (Make a chipboard/cardboard statue)

Here are some Pros and Cons that I noticed with this dual delivery of instruction: 

• Pros: 
• The video portion is directed to the children. It makes for a nice change of pace. 
• Sometimes it is very helpful to see a technique in action. 
• Step-by-step instructions, followed by a quick recap.
• Nice to have the ability to page through and choose projects. 
• Cons: 
• Because the instruction is included in the videos, it was left out of the book. I personally would love to see the basic parts of the instruction from the videos included as stills in the book. This would also be helpful if you have technical difficulties. 
• If you have anyone with auditory issues, they might find some of the background music a little distracting (The first video on weaving I turned way down so that we could just barely hear Brenda Ellis' voice giving instruction). 
• A little confusion in that the videos and the books appear to be written to the students, but K-3 are mostly too young to do this entirely on their own, so it's very much a "do-alongside-Mom" sort of instruction. 

I'll link you to my previous reviews, so that you can see how the 2013 series is set up. The first was from 2009, when I was very new to reviewing, AND I didn't have easy access to digital photography, so it is a strictly text review (Sorry!) of Grade K-3 Book 2: Stories of Artists and Their Art, and Junior High Book 1: The Elements of Art and Composition Featuring World Art.
In 2014 I reviewed a title for older students, Sculpture Technique: Model and
In 2015 I reviewed K-3 Book 3: Modern Painting and Sculpture, which is the most relevant review for contrasting/comparing with this title (and I have pictures!)

One of the other things I appreciate about Artistic Pursuits is the fact that they also offer bundled supplies that go with each volume, available for purchase~ you can find those on the webpages listed below.

Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty 

• Company: ARTistic Pursuits Inc.
• Product: ARTistic Pursuits Art Instruction Books with DVD and Blu-Ray
• Art of the Middle Ages
• Ages: Grades K-3
• Price: $39.99

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Blessings~

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