Beyond the Stick Figure Art School {Review}

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I have always been amazed by the beauty in art, but I never felt I was blessed with much natural talent to create it. When offered the opportunity to review Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses from Beyond the Stick Figure Art School, I knew I wanted to take the classes. My daughter eagerly agreed to join me.

The course included:

• The Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course
• The Complete Pen & Ink and Watercolor Course
• Introduction to Acrylic Course
• Introduction to 3D Design Course

Art supplies are required, and a list of materials is provided within the course menu. Materials are also covered during an introductory video at the beginning of each course. The instructor encourages the use of quality art supplies, which can cost a bit more. Most items can be found at a local art supply store. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, I experienced challenges in getting all the needed tools. I was able to order a set of Prismacolor art markers to get us started, along with other supplies I had on hand.

Most of our art classes were in the afternoons as part of our homeschooling. We found the instructor, Sally, delightful, who spoke with a gentle tone and we love her accent.

I rushed through a few initial videos in the drawing course. They would be relevant for younger children in pointing out how there are shapes and patterns everywhere. As an older student, Johanna would have found it too basic.

The classes build on each other, so I had to open each video and click on a “mark complete” button to move on. I did not have to watch the full videos to mark them as complete. By previewing a few classes I quickly moved us beyond those better suited for younger students.

As we had no prior experience with Prismacolor markers, we really enjoyed learning how to use them while creating abstract art.

We have created a LOT of abstract art! It feels like a therapeutic activity during days of quarantine. We plan to cut our favorite into smaller sizes to laminate for bookmarks.

We completed all of the Drawing Part 1 lessons and are in the midst of Part 2. A class covering colors caught Johanna’s attention. She learned what combination of primary colors creates secondary colors. Although she knew a few, she added to her knowledge and experimented with the Prismacolor markers.

The watercolor course is what Johanna is most looking forward to. The material list calls for tubes of watercolor paint, but my online order has been delayed. I did preview the first couple of lessons in the course. I have only used cheap dry watercolors, or “rubish” as we enjoy Sally refer to some supplies.  I am looking forward to learning how to use higher quality paint.

Johanna and I are both enjoying the courses from Beyond the Stick Figures Art School. As drawing continues, lessons have become more about technique. It doesn’t seem as exciting as our initial colorful creations, but I previewed further lessons and we are working toward a final project. Not only are our skills improving, but we are also learning how to properly use quality art materials and techniques.

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