Prang Thick Core Color Pencil Set/12 (3.3 mm)

An encouraging, step-by-step art program combining lessons in drawing, colored penciling, drawing with markers, painting, and open-ended art appreciation. Very appealing coloring-book-type artwork and motivating instructions make this an extremely friendly course for the beginning artist. Each of the four basic sections begins with tips and rules for using the medium involved, then progresses from easy to more difficult assignments. 142 lessons in all, beginning with 36 on drawing. These start with simple line and shape drawings before advancing to more complex drawings and techniques (I found the presentation on body proportions particularly well done for this age). The next 29 lessons use colored pencils in a celebration of drawing with color. Colored marker lessons follow with 35 varied lessons specially suited to markers. The final 42 lessons are on beginning painting starting with simple mixing and blending assignments. This is my favorite section of the book, with helpful guidance to children about appropriate colors and color schemes. The special Paint Cards in this section and Marker Cards in the previous one should inspire careful artwork. Marker cards are included with the book. These are printed on heavy cardstock to use with markers and paints. A final section stresses the importance of art appreciation, with recommendations on which artists to begin with, and how to proceed. Forms to use for recording information about the artist and artwork, including a student sketch of the artist and selected work, are provided. A brief final "exam" is also furnished that tests retention of some basics that should have been absorbed during the course. This is an excellent choice for a beginning art program; well laid out, reasonably priced (considering the number of lessons), and covering the basics with a variety of media.

Art materials needed for use with I Can Do All Things are listed below for your convenience:

An alternative to high-priced sets, but still of good quality. Thick cores (3.3mm) provide lots of pigment.