Best Homeschool Art Curriculum (2026): 5 Compared

A homeschool parent adding art to the week wants lessons that work without an art degree. The best homeschool art curriculum picks here cover projects, techniques and art appreciation. We compared 5 books on what each listing states: fit for homeschool art, contents and edition, value, and listed reading level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	How to Teach Art by Evan-Moor	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Art Lab for Kids by Schwake	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	The Arts by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Math Art Games by Tripp	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Intro to Art by Alexander	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

How to Teach Art by Evan-Moor

Evan-Moor Educational Publishers·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 160 page teaching edition with 96 art projects for grades 1 to 6.

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Pros

• 96 art projects with step-by-step directions for grades 1 to 6
• Reproducible templates and downloadable PDFs of famous artworks
• Published January 1, 2019, a teacher edition

Cons

• The reading age of 5 to 11 years is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• A teaching resource rather than a student workbook
• A teacher edition, so it suits parents who plan lessons rather than kids working alone

2

Art Lab for Kids by Schwake

Susan Schwake·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

52 weekly art lessons in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper and mixed media for ages 4 to 10.

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Pros

• 52 weekly lessons covering drawing, painting, printmaking, paper and mixed media
• Each lesson links to a contemporary artist's style, per the listing
• Reading age 4 to 10 years and grade Preschool to 5 are stated

Cons

• Published February 1, 2012, the oldest edition here
• The reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Lessons are adult-guided, not independent work

3

The Arts by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 304-page visual encyclopedia of art history, from cave paintings to modern photography, aimed at kids.

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Pros

• 304 pages on painting, sculpture and photography
• Grade 3 to 7 and reading age 7+ are both stated
• DK visual format with photography throughout

Cons

• Description says ages 9 to 12 while the spec table says 7+, a mismatch
• Art history only, not wider history
• Reading age marked as from customers

4

Math Art Games by Tripp

Karyn Tripp·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

40 or more art projects that teach math concepts, for ages 7 to 12.

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Pros

• 40 or more art projects tied to math concepts like symmetry and tessellations
• Reading age 7 to 12 years and grade 3 to 7 are stated
• Published November 19, 2019

Cons

• A math-art crossover, not a pure art curriculum
• The reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 112 pages, the shortest of the four with full data

5

Intro to Art by Alexander

Heather Alexander·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated introduction to 40 masterpieces for ages 9 through 12.

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Pros

• 40 masterpieces with full-color photos and art projects
• Covers painters, styles and periods from Renaissance to Cubism, per the listing
• Five masterpiece paintings to color are included

Cons

• The reading age of 6 to 10 years is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• An art appreciation reader rather than a lesson curriculum
• Published May 20, 2014

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More picks to compare

• Big Book of Nature Art by Zommertwenty-two nature art activities for ages 4 and up, 64 pages.Check on Amazon
• Fine Art Adventures by Pitamic36 creative projects for ages 6 and up, 144 pages.Check on Amazon
• The Art of Teaching Art by Russo50 art lesson ideas for grades K to 8, August 2025.Check on Amazon
• Art Workbook 1 by Watson35+ art projects for grades 6 to 12, 115 pages.Check on Amazon
• Art Activities Workbook by PanettaWorkbook for middle and high school students, 160 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. 4 of the 5 list a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best homeschool art curriculum

Projects or appreciation

The Evan-Moor book has 96 art projects with step-by-step directions; the Art Lab book has 52 weekly lessons. The Child’s Introduction book takes the other path: 40 masterpieces with art projects woven in. Pick projects for makers and appreciation for young art lovers. See our best homeschool curriculum for kindergarten for the early years.

Match the level

The Evan-Moor book lists grades 1 to 6; the Art Lab book lists ages 4 to 10. The Math Art book lists grades 3 to 7 and the Child’s Introduction book ages 9 through 12. All four reading ages are marked as from customers. Also see best homeschool curriculum for 3rd grade.

Before you buy

• Check the edition year: the Art Lab book is from 2012 and the Evan-Moor book from 2019.
• Confirm the level: 4 of the 5 state a reading age or grade level.
• Check what is inside: 1 of these 5 states no page count or description.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book here has the most projects?

The Evan-Moor book states 96 art projects; the Art Lab book states 52.

Which book suits teaching art without experience?

The Evan-Moor book is a teaching edition with background information and step-by-step directions, per the listing.

Which books state a reading age?

All four with full data state one, each marked as from customers: 4 to 10, 5 to 11, 7 to 12 and 6 to 10 years.

Still deciding? Our top pickHow to Teach Art by Evan-Moor

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Related lists

See every homeschool curriculum list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: browse workbooks and homeschool, homeschool curriculum, kindergarten curriculum and 3rd grade curriculum.