We’ve enjoyed having our eldest son among us while he’s home from college. This week gave me a glimpse of a life once lived in our home – one where four boys worked together on assignments and projects….
Before this chapter of his life, I knew I would miss this. I just didn’t realize how much. It was a special gift to me to have them gathered together for a learning experience in our home once again. So, of course, I wanted to share this memory with others!
Our boys (ranging in age from 9 to 20) just finished up a new Christmas activity from one of our favorite art websites, Yellow Spot: Sun. The art tutorial includes a picture study packet and lesson on tints and shades…
as well as a step-by-step video drawing lesson…
and an acrylic painting lesson that provides some wiggle room for customization.
You can sign up for a free preview of this course here or watch the following video preview:
Each of our children enjoyed painting nutcrackers in their own style: a traditional design by the 9-year-old (with help from his mom), a cowboy by the 17-year-old, a German nutcracker in lederhosen by the 20-year-old, and a “creepy Abraham Lincoln” by the 15-year old.
We enjoyed quite a few good laughs with this art project – and it is such a special memory. If you’re wanting to embark on an art project this Christmas season but need a little help in doing so, be sure to check out the Nutcracker tutorial here and download a free sample of the picture study packet.
Other Art Tutorials
You may also want to check out some of the other fantastic art tutorials which effectively teach (and inspire!) art appreciation, drawing skills, and art techniques in a one-room schoolhouse atmosphere. Yellow Spot: Sun courses are well laid out, and the printables and finished art projects are simply stunning. Art courses currently available include:
- Trailblazing Transit. Take a trip through American history using a variety of art media. This course lines up well with an overview of U.S. History and the ages of transportation. Read our review of this fantastic course here.
- Drawing Americana. A six week drawing course that introduces the student to a different American artist each week and teaches drawing skills with symbols of America. (Recommended grades: K-12.) Also available as a classroom or co-op license.
- Art Through the Eyes of the American Woman. A four-week art course that introduces the student to American artists Kay Sage, Nancy Graves, Mary Blair and Laurel Burch. (Recommended grades: K-8.)
- Color Theory with the Impressionists. A four-week painting and drawing course that introduces the student to famous artists Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Vincent Van Gogh. (Recommended grades: K-8.)
- Architects of the Ancient World. 24 step-by-step drawing and painting lessons that introduce the student to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (Recommended grades: K-12.) Also available as a classroom or co-op license.
- Kingly Kingdoms. 24 step-by-step drawing and painting lessons inspired by the Medieval Period. (Recommended grades: K-12.) Also available as a classroom or co-op license.
Also available are Literature-Themed Courses and Art Appreciation Packets.
Free Art Tutorials!
Yellow Spot: Sun offers several drawing and art project tutorials for free! Check out the free art tutorial lessons, which include:
- Rockets!
- Picasso’s Rooster
- Drawing the Trojan Horse
- Ancient Egyptian Boat Drawing
- Symmetrical Warm & Cool Bugs
- Easter Lily Watercolor
- Whimsical Creations with Joan Miro
- Self Portraits in the style of Frida Kahlo
- Weekly Drawing Challenge: RABBITS!
- Weekly Drawing Challenge: ROBOTS!
- Weekly Drawing Challenge: HEARTS!
- Weekly Drawing Challenge: DOGS!
- Weekly Drawing Challenge: FROGS!