How Great Thou ART, I and II

Name: How Great Thou ART, I and II
Brand: How Great Thou ART Publications

by How Great Thou ART Publications

ArtGrades 8–12

About This Curriculum

Self-instructional drawing books that teach fundamentals of drawing through step-by-step lessons, progressing from basic lines and shapes to complex subjects like portraits, still life, and anatomy.

What makes it unique: Christian-perspective art curriculum with conversational tone lessons that can be done directly in the consumable workbooks, creating student portfolios

How Great Thou ART I & II: Self-Instructional Classical Drawing Course

How Great Thou ART I and II are self-instructional drawing books designed for teens that teach fundamental drawing skills through structured, step-by-step lessons. The curriculum progresses systematically from basic lines and shapes to advanced topics like portraits, anatomy, and perspective, with a Christian worldview integrated throughout.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking structured drawing instruction for high school students, particularly those wanting a Christian worldview and self-directed learning approach

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum is designed for direct instruction through clear step-by-step lessons with visual examples and error demonstrations. The format supports both independent study and instructor-led teaching.

Books provide clear instruction with plentiful examples of proper technique and examples of errors to avoid, written for both independent study and instructor use

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The curriculum emphasizes structured instruction while still encouraging creative application through drawing from life and nature. Students get explicit technique instruction but are encouraged to practice observational skills and create their own work.

Lessons follow structured progression but students are encouraged to draw from life and nature, with blank pages provided for practice and creating personal sketchbooks

Technique InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides highly structured, explicit instruction in drawing techniques with clear step-by-step progression. Students learn specific skills like shading, texture, composition, shadows, foreshortening, and perspective through orderly lesson sequences.

Review notes 68 lessons following orderly progression from basic lines to complex subjects, with explicit instruction on techniques like shading, texture, and perspective, plus examples of errors to avoid

Art History KnowledgeConcern

The drawing books themselves appear to focus primarily on technique instruction rather than art history content. While there is a related DVD series covering art history, the core I and II books seem technique-focused.

Reviews detail extensive technical instruction but mention no art history content in the books themselves; separate DVD series exists for art appreciation

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes an optional teacher's manual that provides additional background, suggestions, and tips beyond the student books. However, the books are designed to be largely self-instructional.

Single-volume teacher's manual available covering both books with background, suggestions, and tips for each lesson beyond what's in student books

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum appears to teach art vocabulary through practical application of techniques, though explicit vocabulary instruction is not clearly detailed in reviews. Technical terms are likely introduced as part of technique lessons.

Reviews mention topics like foreshortening, composition, perspective, and anatomy being taught, suggesting vocabulary is covered but not explicitly detailed

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, theoldschoolhouse.com