Homeschool Art Appreciation
Introducing art appreciation into your homeschool can open up a world of beauty and creativity for your child. Homeschool art appreciation goes beyond simple crafts; it involves exploring artists, learning about different art styles, and understanding the meanings behind works of art.
Children develop critical thinking, empathy, and creativity by learning to observe and appreciate art. Art appreciation also helps children gain insight into different art movements, cultures, historical periods, and expressions. This guide will help you build a fun and engaging art appreciation curriculum. Explore works by great masters like Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Rousseau, and more.
We’ll cover how to include picture studies, choose books, and plan projects that make learning about art fun and meaningful.

What is art appreciation in homeschooling?
Art appreciation in homeschooling involves introducing children to great works of art and exploring the stories, techniques, and history behind them. This approach teaches kids to observe details, interpret visual information, and connect art to their experiences.
Unlike creating art, which involves drawing or painting, art appreciation centers on understanding visual arts. It includes exploring the artist’s intentions, emotions, and influences. Through art appreciation, homeschoolers gain insights into various cultures, historical periods, and artistic expressions. This approach makes art appreciation a valuable addition to any homeschool curriculum.
What are the benefits of art appreciation?
Learning to appreciate art has multiple benefits for children. First, it sharpens observational skills, helping kids learn to notice small details and patterns, which is helpful in subjects like science and reading.
Art appreciation also encourages empathy by allowing kids to connect with the emotions and stories behind the art. Finally, discussing artwork nurtures communication skills, as kids describe what they see and express what the piece means.
This can inspire their own creativity as they learn about various techniques and concepts they may want to explore in their projects.

Picture Study: A Hands-On Approach to Art Appreciation
Picture studies offer a simple way to introduce art appreciation in homeschooling. In a picture study, select one artwork, display it prominently, and allow children to observe it quietly for a few minutes.
Afterward, they discuss the piece, describing what they notice and what stands out. Guide them with questions such as, “What do you think the artist wanted to show?” or “How does this artist’s work make you feel?”
This activity helps children form personal connections to art and builds observation and critical thinking skills.
Building an Art Appreciation Unit
Creating a homeschool art appreciation unit doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a few carefully selected books, engaging projects, and simple activities centered around notable artists and their work.
Begin by selecting artists who represent different styles and backgrounds. Choose Vincent Van Gogh, known for his expressive brushstrokes. Include Georgia O’Keeffe, famous for her close-up floral paintings. Add Henri Rousseau, known for his imaginative jungle scenes.
Selecting Books
Books can be an excellent resource for introducing young children to famous artists and their art. Look for children’s books like Katie and the Starry Night by James Mayhew or The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock, which tell stories inspired by famous artists and artworks.
These books make art history accessible and memorable for younger children. Many picture books about art also include activities or discussion prompts that you can use to deepen their understanding.
Choosing Art Projects
Integrate hands-on art projects that relate to each artist’s style or famous works. For example, after learning about Vincent Van Gogh, kids could create a Starry Night-inspired painting using oil pastels and swirling strokes.
Or, after reading about Georgia O’Keeffe, they could paint a close-up of a flower, focusing on capturing its details. With Henri Rousseau, children could create a jungle scene collage using different shades of green paper.
These activities make learning about the elements of art fun and help kids remember the artists and their unique styles.
Art Appreciation Lessons
Gather resources like picture books, printouts of famous paintings, and art supplies for your art lesson plans. Choose an artist to study each week, beginning with a picture study of a renowned work. After discussing it, introduce a book that tells a story about the artist or the painting.
For a hands-on project, guide your child in creating beautiful art inspired by the artist’s style, such as using colors or shapes that mimic the original piece. Over a few weeks, children will begin to recognize different artists and styles, developing a deeper appreciation for the world of art.

Teaching Observation Skills Through Art
Art education is an excellent way to develop observation skills, as it encourages children to notice subtle details and think critically. When children observe and describe artwork, they engage in focused attention and careful examination, strengthening their ability to analyze other information. If you’re interested in more activities that encourage observation, explore our other homeschool resources to build visual and analytical skills.
Art Appreciation Activities for Homeschoolers
To keep art appreciation fresh and varied, try integrating crafts, worksheets, and books that center around famous artists and their works.
Art Appreciation Crafts
Art appreciation crafts can be simple and meaningful, helping children connect with what they’ve learned. Create a “gallery” wall at home where your child can display their work beside printouts of the original artwork. Encourage them to describe their choices, whether they tried to mimic the artist’s colors, shapes, or overall style.
- Chalk Pastel Poppies Inspired by Georgia O’Keefe
- Claude Monet Inspired Water Lilies
- Draw a Romero Britto Cat
- Henri Rousseau Toucan
- Van Gogh Art Project
- Van Gogh Sunflowers Printable Art Activity
- Vincent van Gogh Word Search for Kids

Homeschool Art Appreciation Curriculum
If you’re looking for a structured homeschool art appreciation curriculum, some excellent options are designed to make learning about art accessible and engaging for young children. Here are a few popular programs that provide organized resources, art study techniques, and hands-on activities:
How to Use Child-size Masterpieces Handbook
The Child-size Masterpieces Handbook is an invaluable guide to teaching art appreciation using small, high-quality reproductions of famous artworks. This handbook walks parents and teachers through simple ways to introduce children to great art with sorting, matching, and classifying activities. Ideal for younger children, this resource can make art appreciation feel like a game while fostering observation skills and knowledge about famous works and artists.
Masterpiece Society Art Appreciation
The Masterpiece Society Art Appreciation curriculum offers a well-rounded program that introduces children to various artists, art movements, and techniques. Focusing on connection and creativity, this curriculum includes guided art projects, picture studies, and engaging lessons about each artist’s style and life. It’s a versatile option suitable for multiple ages, making it an excellent choice for families with more than one child.
Artistic Pursuits
Artistic Pursuits provides a comprehensive homeschool art curriculum combining art appreciation and hands-on art techniques. Children learn about famous artists and their work and explore artistic concepts such as color, composition, and form. The curriculum offers structured lessons that guide students through observing, analyzing, and recreating famous pieces, making it ideal for parents seeking a complete art appreciation and skills program.
Each of these resources can serve as a core part of your homeschool art curriculum, giving children a rich foundation in art appreciation and inspiring them to explore their own creativity.

Final Thoughts on Homeschool Art Appreciation
Incorporating art appreciation into your fine arts curriculum enriches your child’s education, building observation skills, empathy, and creativity. Picture studies, books, and art projects offer simple ways to introduce famous artists and artworks, and encourage children to see the world from new perspectives.
Homeschool art appreciation doesn’t require an art degree—just a willingness to explore, discuss, and create. Dive into art with your children and discover the joy and value art appreciation can bring to your homeschool days.