Lambs Book of Art

[Janice Lyn]

I was wondering if anyone has used this with their children. We have gone from keeping an art scrapbook of famous artists and doing narrations, to a little art instruction cdrom on drawing, and now to free wheeling whatever the kids want to do themselves, while mom lays exhausted in her chair. I am feeling the need to do something more structured once again, but really affordable. Any knowledge or experience with Lambs Book of Art, Level 1 and 2? My daughters are ages 8 and 11.

Thanks so much!
Janice

[periwinkle]

with my kids around 6th or 7th grade, when they can work independently in the book with very little (or no) help from me. For the most part, they enjoy the projects and find it enjoyable. We actually prefer Book 2 to Book 1, although they cover much of the same material.

I am sure it is doable for younger kids, but my boys did not have the fine motor coordination or patience to work on drawing skills at age 8. I think it would work well for your 11yo...are there samples at Barry Stebbing's website so you could see the lessons?

[Karin]

My kids took a workshop with Barry Stebbings and his wife (he did the instruction, but she helped) last September, and we walked away with three of his books even though we are VERY happy with The Phonics of Drawing from Masterpiece Art Instruction. However, since art is my dds' thing we coughed the dough and got I Can Do All Things for my 7 y o (6 & up) and Feed My Sheep (10 & up). We also have the one on journaling.

They like it. I also coughed up the money for the video instruction for my ds as it helps. My girls got enough of that at the workshop. He is very passionate about what he does! And a bit of a salesman, of course. But overall we liked him, and that helped my girls.

Boy, this is getting long winded, but I think there are some great things about it. You don't have to buy the DVDs, of course, but it really helps, I think, but that could be because we did the workshop and I thought he was an interesting teacher. There are instructions in the books, but apparently some parents asked for him to do the videos/CDs to help them more. The books my dc have teach drawing, painting and a bit on journaling (more, but I only have the younger book here.) He's big on children using coloured pencils and tempera paint so that they learn colour and how to mix it. Of course, I liked the fact that he promotes things that are made here!

I'd check his website at http://www.howgreatthouart.com . There is also a phone number, 800-982-DRAW. When the Stebbings are travelling, you will talk with someone else. I heard something about them doing another workshop in this area, so I think they may be on the road again, or will be soon.

[Janice Lyn]

Thanks, Karin and Deb. Sounds like a pretty positive review. I think we may go for it and add something fun that is structured instead of the girls just "doing there thing." Infact, I see a few on ebay right now.

Thanks so much,
Janice