Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt was born in Pennsylvania in 1844. She became a well-known Impressionist at a time in which female painters were not widely recognized. She studied in Pennsylvania, in Paris, and in Italy. She was greatly influenced by Edgar Degas, who taught Cassatt how to use pastels. Cassatt produced many works portraying realistic scenes of … Continue reading Mary Cassatt

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Isaac Watts Biography Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was an English pastor and composer of hymns. He was a religious nonconformist (not a member of either the Catholic or the Anglican church). Many of his hymns made it to the New World with the Separatists, the Puritans, and other nonconformist Protestant groups. Many of these hymns (often … Continue reading I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Simple Beauty Europeans: May

Here are the links to our suggestions for beautiful things for May, focusing on old yet beautiful words, sounds, and places. European artists and composers, English poets, a classic hymn, and some spring birds are included. Back to Simple Beauty Page

How Great Thou Art

Hymns are beautiful truths poetically told, hung on a rhythm, and held in a melody. This makes them memorable. Hymn study is extremely simple. Sing the hymn once a day. We’ve provided you links to different versions to enjoy, as well as a link to download the sheet music for the hymn. Some of this … Continue reading How Great Thou Art

Gustav Mahler

Composer Study is simple. Pick a composer to listen to over a period of time. Every once in a  while, play a composition by him or her. Listen to it. Think and talk about it. This month, we are listening to compositions by Gustav Mahler. Pieces by Composer:  Websites: Classics for Kids Videos:  Audio: Apple … Continue reading Gustav Mahler

artist

Vincent Van Gogh

Picture Study is simple. Look at the picture with your children for a few minutes, and then talk about what you saw. Try to remember as much about the piece as you can. Enjoy the beauty of it. Art is not a chore; it’s a pleasure.  We’ve chosen some works by Vincent Van Gogh for … Continue reading Vincent Van Gogh

Simple Beauty Europeans: April

Here are the links to our suggestions for beautiful things for April, focusing on old yet beautiful words, sounds, and places. European artists and composers, English poets, a classic hymn, and some spring flowers are included. Back to Simple Beauty Page