ARTistic Pursuits
A PreK–12 homeschool art curriculum by Brenda Ellis that combines art history, art technique and original projects. Illustrated books come with DVD and Blu-ray video lessons, with optional lifetime streaming.
What is ARTistic Pursuits?
ARTistic Pursuits is a homeschool art curriculum for preschool through 12th grade, written by Brenda Ellis. Each lesson brings together three things: a big idea about art, a master artwork to look at and discuss, and a project where your child makes something original.
The books are illustrated hardcovers with video lessons on DVD and Blu-ray. You can also add lifetime streamed access with a digital flip book.
How it works
A typical week has one or two art sessions of 30 to 60 minutes:
- Read the short lesson about an artist, culture or art idea.
- Watch the video showing how to use that week's art material.
- Make an original artwork using the technique.
Younger kids need a parent for reading, setup and cleanup. The publisher says students in grades 4 to 12 can work on their own. You don't need to be able to draw yourself.
What it covers
| Level | Books | What kids learn |
|---|---|---|
| K–3 (ages 5–9) | 8 volumes, 18 lessons each | A sequential trip through art history, from building a visual vocabulary to Art in America, with many media |
| Grades 4–6 | Cores 1–2, 36 lessons each | The elements of art through graphite drawing, plus American art history |
| Grades 7–8 | Cores 3–4 | Drawing with graded graphite and painting |
| Grades 9–12 | Cores 5–6 | Advanced drawing and painting |
A Classic Books line covers preschool through high school, plus a sculpture book for grades 6 to 12.
Who it's best for
ARTistic Pursuits fits families who want a true art education with art history, and parents who don't feel artistic. It works well as a multi-year plan. Kids who mostly want fun, follow-along drawings may prefer Art for Kids Hub, which is free. Browse more arts programs.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, a single book with video lists at about $59, or $79 with lifetime streaming. A full year of K–3 takes two volumes. Bundles save money, and site orders have shipped free to US addresses. Budget for art supplies too; matching sets are sold separately.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Often. Curriculum and instructional materials are common eligible categories in ESA and scholarship programs, though supply rules vary. Each program decides. Check your state, such as Arizona or Florida, or start at our scholarships hub. Save ARTistic Pursuits to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Art for Kids Hub is free directed drawing, great for fun but not a full curriculum.
- Outschool offers live art classes with a teacher.
- KiwiCo sends hands-on craft kits by mail.
See more homeschool curriculum by subject.
Who ARTistic Pursuits is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families wanting art history and technique in one program
- Parents without an art background
- Multi-year plans from kindergarten through high school
- Kids who enjoy open-ended, original art projects
Look elsewhere if
- Families on a tight budget for supplies
- Kids who want quick, follow-along drawing tutorials
- Anyone wanting a screen-only program
ARTistic Pursuits pros and cons
Pros
- Integrates art history, master artworks and technique
- Video lessons demonstrate each medium
- Covers PreK through 12th grade
- Older students can work independently in grades 4–12
- Every lesson ends with an original artwork
Cons
- Quality art supplies add significant cost
- Some instructions are brief for realistic drawing
- K–3 volumes cover a semester each, so a year takes two books
- Less spontaneous than craft-style programs
What’s included
- Eight K–3 volumes that travel through art history, 18 lessons each
- Core books for grades 4–12, 36 lessons each, focused on drawing and painting
- Hardcover books with DVD and Blu-ray video lessons
- Optional lifetime streamed course with a digital flip book
- Master artworks, artist and culture stories in every lesson
- Matching art supply sets sold separately
How much does ARTistic Pursuits cost?
As of October 2026, each K–3 volume or grades 4–12 Core book with DVD and Blu-ray lists at about $59, or about $79 with lifetime streamed access. Bundles save money: all 8 K–3 books were $399 on sale (list $472), and all 6 Core books were $318.60 (list $354). Sets of two volumes with online editions, covering a full 36-lesson year, were $139 (list $158). Classic softcover books start at $57.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| One K–3 volume or Core book with DVD/Blu-ray (list) | $59 | One-time | — |
| One volume with lifetime streaming (list) | $79 | One-time | — |
| K–3 Vols. 1–8 book set (sale) | $399 | One-time | — |
| Cores 1–6 book set (sale) | $318.60 | One-time | — |
| Classic K–3 Book One, softcover | $57 | One-time | — |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Homeschool reviewers summarized by HomeschoolTools describe ARTistic Pursuits as a comprehensive program that blends art history, theory and technique and is easy for non-artist parents to use. Trade-offs they raise: instructions for some projects are brief, forum users sometimes supplement for realistic drawing, and supply costs can strain a tight budget.
Common praise
- Easy for parents without art training
- Moves beyond crafts to real art skills and confidence
- Video lessons help with technical skills in middle school
Common complaints
- Execution instructions can be brief
- May need supplementing for realistic drawing
- Professional-grade supplies are expensive
ARTistic Pursuits family reviews
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ARTistic Pursuits FAQs
Which ARTistic Pursuits book should I start with?
Young children start with K–3 Volume 1, which covers a semester in 18 weekly lessons and builds an art vocabulary. Students in grades 4 and up usually start with Core 1, a 36-lesson drawing course.
How much does ARTistic Pursuits cost?
As of October 2026, single books with DVD and Blu-ray list at about $59, or about $79 with lifetime streaming. Bundles cost less, and art supplies are extra.
Do I need to know how to draw to teach ARTistic Pursuits?
No. The publisher says parents don't have to draw. Video lessons demonstrate the materials, and students in grades 4 to 12 can work on their own.
Is ARTistic Pursuits Christian or secular?
The publisher doesn't market it as a religious curriculum. Lessons focus on art history, artists, cultures and technique, and art history naturally includes religious works. Preview the free web samples to check the fit for your family.
Is there a streaming version?
Yes. You can add lifetime access to the streamed course, with a digital flip book, to most books, or buy online editions in bundles.
Can I use ESA funds for ARTistic Pursuits?
Often, since curriculum and instructional materials are common eligible categories. Each program decides, especially about art supplies, so check your rules and save ARTistic Pursuits to your Edulist wishlist.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- artisticpursuits.com
- artisticpursuits.com · k 3rd vol 1
- artisticpursuits.com · 4 6th upper elementary
- artisticpursuits.com · 7 8th middle school
- artisticpursuits.com · bundle save
- artisticpursuits.com · classic k 3rd
- artisticpursuits.com · streamed content
- artisticpursuits.com · the program
- homeschooltools.net · artistic pursuits