Creating a Masterpiece- Art History Program- A Review – The Delight Directed Homeschooler

Complimentary product received from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Art can be a scary thing to take on for some homeschoolers. Because it is a little scary, it often gets left behind or pushed to the side. Even for our family who is more artistic and willing to make messes, it is not always the priority. When the chance to review The Art History Program from Creating a Masterpiece came along, I was happy to give it a try!

Creating a Masterpiece is an online art program. It is video based and has a variety of lessons to choose from. The videos give step by step instruction and are very easy going. The program is designed for all ages. All four of my kids (ranging from 9-16) as well as myself were able to participate, enjoy, and feel success. Sharon Hofer is the creator/ teacher of Creating a Masterpiece. She is a master artist who has studied all over the world and truly believes that anyone can create a masterpiece!

The program contains so much goodness. There are different levels/ topics you can choose from:

Core Beginner to Core Level 5
Beginning Drawing 1 to Drawing Level 6
Styles of Art History
Historically Themed Projects
Exploring the Art of Yesterday
Capstone Program

The program also has different mediums from which you can choose:

Acrylic
Balsa Carving
Batik
Block Printing
Colored Marker
Colored Pencil
Conté Crayon
Copper Tooling
Faux Metal Working
Faux Stained Glass
Glass Etching
Glass Mosaic
Gouache
Ink
Mixed Media
Oil Painting
Oil Pastel
Pencil/Charcoal
Printmaking
Sculpture
Silk Painting
Soft Pastel
Watercolor
Watercolor Pencil
Woodburning

I, personally, want to learn ALL THE THINGS. My son walked in when I was first checking out the program and was like, “Um.. can you send me the login so I can get to work?!?” He is my artist and spends hours perfecting his craft. Being able to give him a program like this is perfect…. self paced and the ability to pick and choose which skills on which to work.

The Art History Program from Creating a Masterpiece was designed to compliment other Art History Programs. It is not necessarily designed to dig into the history, but rather to teach students how to create art similar to what was done in various periods. The lessons are presented in short video sessions, designed to give students natural breaks as they work. Each lesson also includes a supply list as well as a link to where you can purchase supplies. The creator of the program has linked to quality supplies that will really help in the process. We have found it is best to invest in good art supplies. It reduces frustration and you really do get what you pay for!

I’ll be teaching a “History Through the Lens of Art” class next year in a local co op. It will be a world history class with a heavy art history focus for high schoolers. They will end up with a world history credit and an art history/ appreciate 1/2 credit. My 9th grader will be taking the class with me. I am really excited to have her watch through these videos with me as we create some of the masterpieces while learning about history. I created the class last year for my son and we had so much fun. I didn’t know about Creating a Masterpiece at the time, but I do now!!

My youngest was very excited to watch the Lessons in Pencil: Sunflower with me. She wasn’t quite ready to give it a try herself, but she coached me as we went along.

I really love that this program is self paced. You can work through the skills and ability level you’d like and then jump to something else. Artist brains work in creative cycles. A student may work through several projects in a week and then take a break for a month before starting up again. OR you could assign one project per week for your school year. Whether you love art or hate it, you can certainly appreciate Creating a Masterpiece… Especially the Art History Program. It really is fascinating to watch the evolution of art over time. The way that it reflects its cultural climate, narratives, and events.