This week on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: How To Handle Fine Arts in Homeschool High School, Interview with Cody Wheelock.
How To Handle Fine Arts in Homeschool High School, Interview with Cody Wheelock
With the flexibility and personalized learning opportunities homeschool offers, homeschooling has become a viable choice for many families. But what about fine arts? We talked about this with Cody Wheelock from Fount Atelier Art Coaching. With him, let’s explore how to handle fine arts and the ways it can empower your child’s education journey.
About Cody Wheelock
Cody Wheelock is the owner and director of Fount Atelier Art Coaching. The name “Fount Atelier” comes from the French term ‘atelier’, which means ‘studio’. In 19th century Paris, students would study at professional artist studios called ateliers for formal training.
Since Cody’s studio is located in Kansas City, known as the city of Fountains, he named the studio Fount Atelier Art Coaching, which is the perfect blend of history and honoring his local community.
Cody started out as an art teacher and always had a passion for art. After teaching in public and private schools for ten years, he felt there were limitations to what he could do in that setting. So, four years ago, he set up Fount Atelier as a private instructional studio where he can work with families and provide a creative fine art outlet for homeschool students.
His physical studio is designed to be the perfect place for students, as its decorated and arranged for an in-person setting. He also offers online art coaching, so students can work through a sequenced program based on the 19th century French academic method of training in classical drawing and oil painting. So whether in-person or online, Fount Atelier strives to provide a comprehensive art education experience.
Why Incorporate Fine Arts Into Homeschooling
Sometimes, as homeschool moms, we feel overwhelmed when it comes to fine arts because it’s not our area of expertise. But don’t worry, there are solutions!
Exercises Creative Muscles
First and foremost, incorporating art into homeschooling allows students to exercise their creative muscles. We are all designed to create, and art provides an outlet for that innate urge. It engages our brains in a different way than subjects like math or science, and it’s a great way to explore different forms of creativity.
Creates Mindfulness
Art also gives us an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to have activities that allow us to step back, focus, and appreciate the beauty around us. Whether it is observational drawing or plein air painting, these activities help us reset mentally and practice mindfulness.
Lifelong Enjoyment
Art is a lifelong hobby that can bring joy and fulfillment. You do not have to be an artsy person to enjoy the process and benefits of creating art. It is a skill that can be cultivated over time, and it’s something you can continue to improve upon throughout your life. Plus, it’s a great way to earn some extra income if you choose to sell your artwork.
Requirement for Graduation
In many states, a Fine Arts credit is needed for graduation.
How To Add Fine Arts To Your Homeschool
Anyone can learn some art skills if you have some tips or coaching. Here are some of Cody’s tips.
Focus On Skill Development, Not The Masterpiece
The key to adding fine arts to your homeschool, and keeping it there, is to focus on skill development rather than creating masterpieces. Start with the basics and gradually build up your skills.
Having a structured and sequenced plan is essential. Begin with simple exercises like learning how to sharpen a pencil and progress from there. By focusing on skill development, you will build confidence and see improvement over time.
If you are unsure how to create a plan, think about the end goal and work backwards. For example, if you want to paint a landscape in oil, break it down into smaller steps like learning composition, understanding color mixing, and practicing brush techniques. By breaking it down, you create a clear pathway to success. (Some teens know this process from Scheduling Backwards with their papers and projects.)
See Constructive Feedback
Feedback from someone with more experience can help you identify areas for improvement and provide guidance for growth. Constructive feedback allows you to learn and develop your skills further.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and making mistakes is part of the learning process.
How To Handle Fine Arts
Incorporating fine arts into your homeschool can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Do not be discouraged if it is not your area of expertise. With a structured plan, focus on skill development, and constructive feedback, you and your students can explore the world of art and unleash your creativity.
Art is for everyone, and it’s never too late to start!
Connect With Cody Wheeler with Front Atelier Art Coach
If you are interested in connecting with Cody, you can visit Front Atelier Art Coach. You can find more information about his online program and can reach out to him with any questions. You can also check out his YouTube channel where he shares drawing and painting demonstrations as well as his plein air painting adventures.
Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for creating this blog post!
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