Angelicscalliwags Homeschool: Art, Artists, Music and Composers

If there is one part of our homeschool that fills me with absolute joy, it is learning about art, artists, music and composers.

Now, here’s the slightly ironic part, I cannot draw. At all. Not even a little bit. But give me a messy table, some paint, and a new technique to try, and I am completely in my element.

Because for us, art has never been about the finished product.

It has always been about the process.

If what we create looks… let’s say ‘questionable’… I truly don’t mind. As long as we’ve enjoyed the journey to that questionable result, I count it as a success.

And that mindset has shaped how we approach creativity in Angelicscalliwags Homeschool.

Art, Artists, Music and Composers

Why We Don’t Use an Art Curriculum

It will probably come as no surprise that we don’t follow a formal art curriculum.

Instead, we learn art through history.

This means that whenever we study a culture, we explore:

• The art they created
• The materials they used
• The techniques they developed
• What their art tells us about their lives

Because art is not separate from history, it is history.

It reflects:

• Beliefs
• Environment
• Daily life
• Social structure

And when children begin to see that, their understanding deepens in a way no worksheet could ever replicate.

Learning Art Through Culture

One of the most fascinating things about studying art historically is seeing how different cultures express themselves.

In ancient times, artists weren’t individual “celebrities” like they often are today. They were craftsmen, working together, creating in styles unique to their culture.

And those styles were shaped by what they had available.

Stone.
Papyrus.
Silk.
Plaster.

So rather than just looking at art, we try to experience it.

We replicate it.

Hands-On Art Activities We’ve Loved

Here are just a few examples of how we’ve explored art in our homeschool:

Ancient India

We studied cave paintings and created our own using earthy tones and natural textures.

Ancient Egypt

We explored frontalism and painted on papyrus, an experience that felt wonderfully authentic.

Minoan Civilisation

We created frescoes on plaster slabs (and discovered just how tricky that really is!).

Ancient China

We experimented with screen printing on silk, learning patience along the way.

The Middle Ages

We studied:

• Stained glass windows
• Illuminated manuscripts

And created our own detailed designs inspired by them.

Each project gave us insight not just into art, but into the people behind it.

Picture Study: Learning Through Observation

Alongside creating art, we also spend time studying it.

Picture study is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in our homeschool.

Sometimes we:

• Analyse a painting for historical clues
• Discuss what we can infer about a culture
• Recreate the artwork ourselves

For example, we once studied an Ancient Chinese painting to understand Han society. From one image, we discussed daily life, landscape, and social structure.

And then we recreated it, badly perhaps, but meaningfully.

Artist Studies: Where the Magic Happens

If I had to choose a favourite part of this whole process, it would be artist studies.

I had been waiting (not very patiently!) for the point in history where artists began to be recognised individually, and when we got there, it did not disappoint.

How We Approach Artist Study

Our artist studies are fairly simple but incredibly rich:

1. Biography
   We learn about the artist’s life.
2. Artwork Selection
   I choose a range of pieces, ideally in different mediums.
3. Hands-On Replication
   We try the techniques ourselves.

A Few of Our Favourite Artist Studies

Cimabue

• Created mosaics
• Made tempera paint using chalk and egg
• Tried fresco painting

Giotto

• Drew on “rocks” (air-dry clay) inspired by his childhood
• Made mosaic tiles
• Created frescoes
• Compared his work to Cimabue’s

This comparison led naturally into a writing task, proving once again how beautifully subjects overlap in homeschool.

The Limbourg Brothers

• Focused on intricate detail
• Encouraged patience and careful observation

Visiting Art in Real Life

Whenever possible, we visit galleries to see original artwork.

There is something incredibly powerful about standing in front of a piece you’ve studied at home.

It brings everything together in a way nothing else quite can.

Music and Composer Study (Keeping It Simple!)

Now, let’s talk about music.

This is not my strength.

At all.

But I include it anyway, because it matters.

Our approach to music and composers is intentionally simple:

• We listen to music from the time period
• We learn a little about the composer
• We reflect on how the music makes us feel

That’s it.

What This Looks Like in Practice

The children might:

• Write a short reflection
• Draw what the music makes them imagine
• Create their own interpretation of the piece

We’ve studied composers like Guido d’Arezzo and Guillaume de Machaut in this way.

Is it perfect?

No.

Is it meaningful?

Absolutely.

Why This Approach Works

By combining art, artists, music and composers with history, we create a learning experience that is:

• Multi-sensory
• Creative
• Memorable
• Deeply connected

It allows children to:

• See history
• Hear history
• Create history

And that makes all the difference.

Hands-On Activity Ideas for Your Homeschool

If you’d like to try this in your own homeschool, here are some simple ideas:

• Create cave paintings using natural colours
• Paint in the style of Egyptian frontalism
• Make a simple mosaic using paper or tiles
• Try fresco painting on plaster or thick card
• Design an illuminated manuscript page
• Draw while listening to classical music
• Compare two artists and create a simple project
• Visit a local gallery or explore art online

Remember, keep the focus on the process, not perfection.

Art, Artists, Music and Composers: Reflection Questions for Homeschool Parents

Take a moment to think about:

1. Am I focusing too much on results rather than the creative process?
2. Could I integrate art more naturally into our history studies?
3. How often do my children get to create, not just consume?
4. Could music be included in a simple, low-pressure way?
5. What is one small creative activity I could add this week?

Art, Artists, Music and Composers: Final Thoughts

You do not need to be artistic.

You do not need to be musical.

And, you do not need special training or expensive resources.

You simply need a willingness to try.

Because when you bring art, artists, music and composers into your homeschool, especially through history, you create something truly special.

A learning experience filled with:

• Creativity
• Connection
• Joy

And really, that is what Angelicscalliwags Homeschool has always been about.

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