Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was one of America’s greatest poets, but most of what she wrote wasn’t discovered until after her death. She was a recluse for most of her adult life. While she rarely left her house, she composed many poems about the outside world as well as the small world in which she lived. … Continue reading Emily Dickinson
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 ) was born in Massachusetts. He was a pianist and conductor who also composed beautiful pieces. Music was a great joy to him, and he listened to and enjoyed all kinds of it. Many people suggested that he’d be better off if he picked one of his favorite branches of music and … Continue reading Leonard Bernstein
John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter, even though he was born in Florence, Italy and he died in London, England. He painted all sorts of things in different mediums. Sargent worked in between Impressionism and Expressionism, and he broke the tradition of drawing on the canvas with a pencil first, preferring to use … Continue reading John Singer Sargent
Simple Beauty Americans: January
Here are the links to our suggestions for beautiful things for January, with a focus on beautiful words, sounds, and places that are distinctly American and focus on the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back to Simple Beauty Page
Nature Study: Bodies of Water
Nature study can be as simple as a short walk in the neighborhood or as elaborate as a week in Yellowstone National Park. Don’t make it hard. Just go outside. This month, we suggest you spend some time outside every day that the weather is reasonable, and walk or drive to some different bodies of … Continue reading Nature Study: Bodies of Water
Amy Beach
Amy Beach is one of the greatest composers that you’ve never heard of. She was born in New Hampshire on September 05, 1867. She was born into a musical family, and she was naturally gifted in music. By the time she was four, Amy played four-part hymns on the piano and composed several waltzes. At … Continue reading Amy Beach
Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edna St. Vincent Millay, known as Vincent to her family and friends, was born in February 1892 in a small town in Maine. Though her family didn’t have much money, they were rich in love, books, music, and imagination. In spite of the fact that Vincent’s mother worked long hours, Vincent had many close-to-home adventures … Continue reading Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper was born in New York in 1882. He became a very famous artist who painted realistic paintings. Many of his paintings almost look like photographs. Edward drew constantly from a young age. He lived next to the Hudson River, and he loved to watch boats. As a boy, he drew a lot of … Continue reading Edward Hopper
Nature Study: Evergreens
Nature study can be as simple as a short walk in the neighborhood or as elaborate as a week in Yellowstone National Park. Don’t make it hard. Just go outside. This month, we suggest you spend some time outside every day that the weather is reasonable, and keep an eye out for Evergreen Trees. We’ll … Continue reading Nature Study: Evergreens
Simple Beauty Americans: December
Here are the links to our suggestions for beautiful things for December, with a focus on beautiful words, sounds, and places that are distinctly American and focus on the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back to Simple Beauty Page