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
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
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
Poetry is a simple thing to enjoy. Pick a poet. Read a poem for the enjoyment of it. Listen to the rhythm of the words. Hear the music in them. We’ve picked a few poems by William Wordsworth to share with you this month. Poems The Green Linnet I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud A Poet! He … Continue reading William Wordsworth
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
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: Symphony 1 in D Major “Titan” Symphony … Continue reading Gustav Mahler
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
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
Poetry is a simple thing to enjoy. Pick a poet. Read a poem for the enjoyment of it. Listen to the rhythm of the words. Hear the music in them. We’ve picked a few poems by William Butler Yeats to share with you this month. Poems Among School Children Lake Isle of Innisfree When You Are Old Sailing … Continue reading William Butler Yeats
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 Firm a Foundation
