Mark Kistler's Draw Squad

ArtGrades 3–12

About This Curriculum

A humorous, step-by-step drawing instruction book featuring 30 lessons that teach fundamental 3D drawing techniques through Mark Kistler's signature entertaining style.

What makes it unique: Uses the "Ten Key Words of Drawing" system to teach professional 3D drawing techniques in an accessible, fun way that builds confidence and gets immediate results

Mark Kistler's Draw Squad: Step-by-Step 3D Drawing Instruction

Mark Kistler's Draw Squad is a comprehensive drawing instruction book that teaches fundamental 3D drawing techniques through 30 structured lessons. The curriculum focuses on ten key drawing skills including foreshortening, shading, and perspective through Mark Kistler's entertaining, cartoon-style approach that makes professional drawing techniques accessible to children.

Best for

Homeschooling families and elementary to middle school students (grades 4-8) seeking structured drawing instruction, particularly those who want to develop realistic drawing skills through an entertaining, cartoon-style approach

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 1 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates clear direct instruction with well-laid-out lessons that students can follow independently.

Reviews note that lessons are well laid out and easy to follow, with fourth or fifth graders able to use the book independently, and the online component allows students to see Mark drawing.

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The curriculum is heavily structured with step-by-step lessons but encourages students to add their own personality and creativity to assignments.

Each lesson has nine structured components spread over several days, but Kistler encourages students to add their own personality to lessons and provides extended activities for creative application.

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum explicitly teaches drawing vocabulary through ten key technical terms that form the foundation of instruction.

The program is built around ten key words including foreshortening, shading, surface, size, contour lines, overlapping, density, shadows, attitude, and daily use.

Technique InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides highly structured, explicit instruction in professional drawing techniques through ten key skills and step-by-step demonstrations.

Each lesson includes instruction in new skills, exercises with the new skill, examples, and practice activities. Kistler teaches professional techniques like foreshortening, shading, and perspective rather than simplistic shape-based drawing.

Art History KnowledgeConcern

The curriculum does not appear to include art history or cultural knowledge components.

Reviews focus entirely on drawing technique instruction with no mention of art history, major artists, or cultural contexts being included in the lessons.

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum is designed to be self-contained and user-friendly for parents without art training, though formal teacher support materials are not mentioned.

Reviews indicate that parents without drawing knowledge can purchase an extra book and learn alongside their children, and the format is appealing and accessible to adults.

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thecurriculumchoice.com