Learning Like an Artist: What We Can Learn from the Creative Process

When we think of “study,” many of us imagine a checklist of assignments to get through or facts to memorize. But what if study could feel more like art? What if the way artists engage the world—through wonder, persistence, and imagination—could actually reshape the way we learn?

My daughter Alyssa has long been captivated by beauty. She sees details others might miss and delights in slowing down to behold them. (You can catch a glimpse of her heart in her post Beholding Beauty.) In our homeschooling journey, I’ve watched her artist’s eye transform ordinary lessons into something rich, layered, and deeply human. Together, we’ve discovered that artists have much to teach us about the way we approach study.

Here are seven practices worth borrowing:

1. Let Love Lead

The word amateur comes from the Latin word amare—“to love.” An amateur is someone who pursues a craft not for money, but for love. In the same way, when we study because we love truth, beauty, and goodness—not just to pass a test—the pursuit feels altogether different. Love fuels curiosity and makes the hard work worthwhile.

2. Embrace Integration

Artists rarely see subjects in isolation. History, literature, and science all spill into their work. When you sketch a scene from a story, map out a historical event, or paint the stages of a flower’s growth, you’re not just checking off boxes—you’re weaving connections that make knowledge come alive.

3. Shape Your Environment

Artists know the atmosphere matters. A favorite café, soft lighting, or a curated playlist can all shift the mood of your study time. Try bringing your books to the park, lighting a candle, or putting on some lo-fi beats. A well-set stage invites focus and makes the work feel less like a chore and more like a delight.

4. Make Space for Creativity

Some of the best ideas come when we give ourselves permission to play. What may look like doodling or daydreaming can actually be fertile ground for deep learning. Don’t rush to fill every moment with output—leave room for imagination to do its quiet work.

5. Trust the Process

Artists know repetition and failure are companions on the journey. Every sketch, brushstroke, or draft teaches something—even if it doesn’t make it into the final piece. Likewise, learning takes time. Mistakes aren’t a sign of failure; they’re a sign of growth.

6. Learn in Relationship

Art communities thrive on collaboration and shared critique. In the same way, studying with others can spark joy and create gentle accountability. A conversation around the table, a co-op class, or even a shared journal can transform study into a communal experience.

7. Change Your Angle

When you’re stuck, don’t push harder—shift perspectives. An artist might change lighting or try a different medium. In study, this might look like chasing down the story behind a Latin word or exploring a topic through music or film. A fresh angle can breathe new life into a weary subject.

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At its heart, learning like an artist means embracing wonder, process, and relationship. It’s about more than getting the “right answer.” It’s about cultivating a love that makes knowledge worth pursuing.

That’s why Alyssa and I created a recorded resource on Learning Like an Artist for members of our Rooted Minds Learning Community. Inside, we dive deeper into these seven practices and share practical ways you can weave the artist’s mindset into your studies at home.

The Rooted Minds Community is designed to support families like yours with rich, creative resources each month. Membership is just $15/month for your whole family and includes:

• Access to all of our recorded webinars and bonus teaching resources
• Opportunities to explore the arts together (watercolor, gouache, doodling, and more)
• Language study tools (Latin, Greek, Hebrew)
• Music appreciation and activities
• A supportive community of homeschoolers learning side by side

If you’d like to join us, you can become a member today—and gain instant access to the Learning Like an Artist resource, along with everything else the community has to offer.

👉 [Join the Rooted Minds Learning Community for $15/month »]

FREE DOWNLOAD: Want to explore these ideas before joining? Download our complimentary "Learning Like an Artist: Reflection Guide" – a beautifully designed PDF with thoughtful questions and practical exercises to help you implement these principles in your homeschool right away.