Artist Pursuits K-3 Book 2-Book Review

This past weekend I had a comment/question from Phyllis concerning using Artistic Pursuits in the younger years and whether I thought you could make it more Charlotte Mason. Here's her question:

I first heard about Artistic Pursuits on your blog. Have you used their books for the early years? What do you think of them, especially from a Charlotte Mason viewpoint? What would you recommend for art in the preschool years (not necessarily a curriculum, just general recommendations)? Thanks in advance, if you have time to answer my questions!

I answered her in a comment but I thought it might be something someone else was wondering and so here it is as a separate entry.

I have used Artistic Pursuits K-3 Book 2 and liked it a lot. This particular book covers artists in a chronological way from the Gothic period up to Romantic period (17 artists). The basic format of the book is in each unit to introduce an artist with a short biographical narrative and then show a print (they come with the book) for the artist. There is then a project to wrap up the study of the artist. I would say that these books are good for children younger and older than the grades listed because of the format so they are nice for families to use with a variety of ages at the same time. As far as fitting in with Charlotte Mason's idea of picture study, it's not an exact fit. You could take the artist being studied in the book and look online for additional prints to view and stretch each unit out for as long as you wanted and it would be more CM style. The book would just last more than a year in that way. Not a bad idea actually. :) I like CM style for preschool children. It is an easy introduction to artists and it will develop their love for art. Have you seen the Child Size Masterpiece books? They are great. Maybe I will do a review of those later in the week. Child Size Masterpieces I use them in my Harmony Arts art and music appreciation program and they are really nice for younger students. Hope that answers your question. Barb Harmony Art Mom