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Drawing Basics with Thomas Kinkade From Alpha Omega Publications Review by Martha Robinson

Alpha Omega’s Lifepac program, Drawing Basics with Thomas Kinkade, includes a video, spiral-bound teacher’s manual, and five workbooks in an attractive storage box. The world famous “Painter of Light” hosts the video, and his image is shown throughout the workbooks with tips and explanations of concepts.

Drawing Basics offers a systematic approach to art instruction. Each lesson in the workbook begins with a list of objectives and materials. Step-by-step instructions, including when to watch the video, and straightforward activities follow. Periodic self-tests and five unit exams test understanding. Children have the opportunity for success with basic tasks such as drawing straight and curved lines beginning the program. The lessons increase in scope and difficulty to allow the student to do a complete still life drawing as the final project.

The course teaches both real and imaginary drawing. Sketching, contour drawing, underdrawing, and proportion are some of the discussion points for realistic drawings of people, animals, and landscapes. The same techniques added to memories and creative thought give the child the chance to draw both imaginary creatures and places. Mr. Kinkade explains the role of tone and texture in finishing a picture.

The teacher’s manual includes a reproduction of every page of the workbook with teaching tips and answers to the exercises and tests. While the program is designed for grades three to five, it may be made suitable for children up to eighth grade by doing the additional tasks specified in this manual. One additional “Bible integration” project per unit (five total) are “reproducibles” and offer specific tie-in to Biblical principles and Scripture. A set of “alternate tests” are included in case the student did not show mastery of the material after the first test. Many pages at the beginning of the teacher’s manual detail items of particular interest to schools using Alpha Omega’s materials -- how the program adheres to NAEA standards and grading scenarios.

Recommendation: Drawing Basics with Thomas Kinkade is a solid drawing course. With the step-by-step instructions and encouragement from the video, even the most timid artist (child OR parent!) has the opportunity to succeed. Thomas Kinkade’s amazing talent is evident on the video, and yet, with his easy manner, the student does not feel intimidated. The workbooks are clearly written for third to fifth grade children, but this program could easily be used as a family-wide, fun time. The art history portion is brief, but with the addition of some library books or internet searches, the parent could flesh it out. Drawing Basics with Thomas Kinkade is sure to make art into a subject that is clamored for!

Our Experience: My 10 and 13 year olds sat spellbound watching Thomas Kinkade draw. Both emphatically told me that they want to do this program!

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The above reviews are the opinions of the reviewers. Products, rather than companies or authors, have been reviewed. You may want to research companies further before choosing to buy any of the products reviewed. The reviews may or may not reflect the opinions of the management of HomeschoolChristian.com.