What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Meet the Masters for its structured, three-step approach—History, Technique, and Masterpiece—which effectively bridges art appreciation with hands-on practice. Cathy Duffy highlights its popularity for providing a solid art history background, while users on The Homeschool Mom note that it makes art accessible even for parents without an artistic background. A major strength identified across platforms like Hip Homeschool Moms is the multi-track system, which allows families to teach multiple ages simultaneously using the same artist. However, a recurring trade-off mentioned in forum discussions, such as on The Well-Trained Mind, is the requirement for parents to source specific art supplies beforehand. Additionally, some reviewers find the online slideshow interface somewhat dated compared to modern streaming platforms. Despite these minor technical grievances, the curriculum is highly regarded for its educational depth and the quality of the final student art projects.

How It Works

A typical unit begins with the parent presenting a narrated digital slideshow that introduces a famous artist's life and style, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Following this, the child spends a session completing practice worksheets to learn specific techniques used by that master, such as specific brush strokes or shading methods. Finally, the student spends 60 to 90 minutes creating an original masterpiece at the kitchen table using high-quality art supplies like oil pastels or watercolors. Parents act as facilitators, guided by scripted instructions that explain what to say and do at each step. This three-step cycle is usually spread across a week or several weeks depending on the family's preferred pace.

Switching to This?

Meet the Masters does not use formal placement tests; instead, it utilizes a 'Multi-Track' system based on the student's age: Track 1 (ages 5-7), Track 2 (ages 8-9), and Track 3 (ages 10-adult). Families can easily start mid-year because the curriculum is organized into modular units focusing on individual artists rather than a linear progression of skills. If you are switching from a program that focuses solely on free-form creativity, expect a more structured academic approach that emphasizes art history and technical accuracy. Most families choose to start with the first set of artists regardless of when they begin, as the difficulty level is adjusted via the age tracks rather than the artist selection. The most important preparation for a smooth transition is sourcing the specific supply kits or individual materials listed for each artist before starting the first lesson.

Curriculum Details

Price

$39 - $119

Pricing depends on the number of 'tracks' or artists purchased. Individual bundles (7 artists) start around $39.95, while the 'Big Bundle' featuring all 35 artists across all age tracks is typically $119.00.

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Digital Video Interactive Slideshow

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Art

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

20-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Artistic Pursuits, which relies on physical textbooks and focuses on the elements of art, Meet the Masters is a digital-first program that prioritizes the lives and historical contexts of famous artists. When weighed against Deep Space Sparkle, Meet the Masters feels more like an academic classroom course with its scripted slideshows, whereas Deep Space Sparkle focuses more on vibrant, video-led projects. Parents choosing between this and Creating a Masterpiece will find that the latter is more technique-heavy with high-definition video instruction, while Meet the Masters is better for families who want a strong integration of history and art appreciation. Unlike Art History Kids, which is a monthly subscription focusing deeply on one artist at a time, Meet the Masters offers a comprehensive, multi-year curriculum that is purchased in sets. Finally, in contrast to a simple drawing program like Draw Write Now, Meet the Masters introduces a wide variety of mediums including charcoal, paint, and pastels, providing a much broader fine arts education.

Getting Started