Drawing on History: Award-Winning High School Art History Curriculum for Homeschool and Independent Study
Comprehensive World Art History Curriculum from Pre-Civil War to Vietnam War | Hands-On Art Lessons for Grades 9–12
Discover Drawing on History—an award-winning high school art and history curriculum designed specifically for homeschool students in grades 9–12. This unique independent study course explores World history through the lens of fine art, combining engaging art lessons with a chronological journey from the Pre-Civil War era to the Vietnam War. Students will analyze how historical events shaped artistic expression while creating their own original works inspired by major art movements between 1830 and 1970. Whether you're fulfilling a fine arts credit or enriching your homeschool program, this curriculum offers a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to art history education.
Art and history are inseparable—each reflects and responds to the other. In this course, students gain a deeper understanding of both by studying art as a historical lens. Like a tapestry woven over time, art is influenced by political movements, cultural shifts, and global events. While artists often respond to the world around them in the moment, we now have the privilege of looking back—seeing the "front" of the tapestry and understanding the bigger picture history paints through art.
Why Choose Drawing on History for Your High School Homeschool Art Curriculum?
Covering a wide range of styles from Romanticism to Abstract Expressionism, this curriculum offers a brief but rich survey of American and European art movements from 1830–1970. Students will examine both mainstream and lesser-known art styles—some regional, some global, some that defy categorization but hold deep historical relevance. Each unit provides context, hands-on art projects, and research prompts to help students reflect on the emotional and political undercurrents that shaped each era.
Who Should Use this Curriculum?
Through this integrated study of art and history, students don’t just learn dates and styles—they learn to think like artists and historians. They learn to interpret the past through a visual narrative, gaining insight into how art can powerfully express the human experience during times of war, innovation, and societal change. This course is ideal for homeschoolers, independent study, co-ops, or college prep, offering both structure and creative freedom.
Engaging Art Lessons in Historical Art Movements:
- Romanticism
- African American Slave Artisans
- Impressionism
- Neo- and Post-Impressionism (Pointillism)
- Art Nouveau and Symbolism
- Fauvism and Expressionism
- Modernism in Print
- Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism
- The Great Depression: Documentary Photography
- USA: WPA, Federal One Project, and the FAP
- Art and War — Pablo Picasso
- WWII — Art of the Third Reich and Degenerate Art
- WWII — The Art of the Woodcuts of Japan
- Abstract Expressionism
- Pop Art
- Psychedelic Art, Tie Dye, and Hippies
2022 Winner of the Best Homeschool Curriculum & Products on the Plant Award from How To Homeschool
2021 Winner of the Best Middle & High School Homeschool Resources & Curriculum Award from How To Homeschool
How to Use Drawing on History: Tips for Parents and Students
Suggested Weekly Study Time and Scheduling
We recommend dedicating 3 to 6 hours per week to Drawing on History, depending on your student’s pace and interest. This flexible schedule fits well with busy homeschool calendars or independent study programs. You may find it beneficial to break lessons into smaller daily sessions. Consistent weekly progress ensures students meet credit hour requirements and fully absorb both art techniques and historical context.
Materials and Supplies Needed
The curriculum includes a curated list of art supplies for each project that are easy to find locally or online. You can also customize supplies based on your student’s preferences and skill level. We do not require that you purchase art supplies from us. However, we have provided customized online list at our favorite art store to make your life easier. We do not make any money for you using our customized list.
Assessments and Grading Guidelines
Assessment is flexible and parent-guided. Use the provided learning objectives for each lesson to evaluate your student’s understanding and creativity. Grading can be based on project completion, effort, artistic growth, and comprehension of historical connections. We encourage portfolio reviews, discussions, and written reflections to deepen learning. This adaptable approach allows for personalized feedback tailored to each student's strengths.
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