God and Christian Artists

Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou Art Publications has a wonderful art curriculum geared for ages eight and up, called God and Christian Artists. This art curriculum contains over 50 lessons, which allows for a whole year of art study as the student follows along with Professor Solomon, the guide for the text. This art curriculum is not only art but also history, in effect giving the student art history while learning about God, artists, and artistic styles.

The first item that the student will encounter is “The History of Art in a Nutshell,” which gives the student a basic understanding of how art has changed over the years. The chapter discusses Ancient Egypt to the Romans and Greeks, as well as providing a brief introduction to periods of art such as the Byzantine, Baroque and Modern Art of the 20th century. Also covered is some history of the Reformation and some of what that entailed at the time in regards to art – however, no sides are taken – it’s strictly informational.

The lessons that follow start with colored pencils. Some of the first few lessons may be simple if the student already knows the color wheel, secondary colors, and tertiary colors, but it’s a good introduction or refresher for any student so that they will know where they stand in beginning the other lessons. The lessons are simple and straightforward, which allows students time to complete their work neatly and to the best of their ability.

Artists covered are Fra Angelico, Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt, Jean Francois Millet, Carl Bloch, Georges Rouault, the Nazarenes, and the Pre-Raphaelites. Students learn about the artist with some brief background information and then try their hand at doing art that is reminiscent of that artist – it could be something such as drawing wood or clothing, dragons, nature artwork or practicing penmanship and making an illuminated letter. There is no right or wrong in how students do their work as long as they follow instructions based on their ability level. Throughout the book are completed illustrations from other students who have done the lessons at varying degrees of ability, as well as reproductions of the art done by the artists themselves. In this way the students will know that each artist has a unique style of doing art, and that is okay.

Scripture verses are included throughout the book, relating back to the material studied, seeking to ensure students give God the glory in all that they do. Also of note, students can do their work in the book in the space given, or parents can chose to copy the pages for in-home use, although a separate sheet of paper can also be used if more space is needed for those lessons that require the student to draw. The only materials needed for completion of the lessons are one set of colored pencils, drawing pencils and an extra fine black pen or marker – and paper for those students wanting to do their work outside of the book.

At the end of the book there is a brief exam, which students can take to see how much they have learned and retained through their lessons. This art book aims to have students see art through a Christian perspective and learn how to glorify God through their own works, and provides a brief but wonderful introduction to art history and the artists that sought to glorify God in their life.