Whatsoever Things Are Lovely..

"whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. " Philippians 4:8

Many years ago I home educated my children in classical education, which included English painters of the 19th century. I believe with all my heart that a classical education enhances the home and elevates the mind to the good, the lovely, the pure and the truthful.

As the children ,study great art, the inventions, earth science, the heavens (telescopes and all) , history, (with biographies of many world leaders and many common people as well) early exploration, Blackstones Law, mathematics, grammar, speech, drama....the list goes on; it is reflected in life at home.

The bookshelf changes with the addition of great works, the walls change with the addition of beautiful art, the furnishings change with the addition of learning skills in architecture, room arrangement, textile knowledge, sewing, resourcefulness, etc.

As learning continues in things like nutrition and gardening, the palate and the appearance of the plate changes! As speech and drama emerge, the children begin speaking differently at home and as logic and writing are learned, they begin to produce their own newspapers and start their own classes. I believe the home is greatly benefited by the classical education.

The Bible in particular comes alive as its meanings are grafted into the soul. The music of Handel and Hayden and others, take on a new significance, in its relationship to the poetry in Scripture. Our interest in these things gives life a great purpose. Life at home becomes sacred and important. Honoring of parents is one of the great products of a classical education, or at least, it was for us, as we saw our children happy and productive and able to live right. The final blessing was to see their high regard for the sanctity of the home and their trust in God.

On the Beach by Sydney F. Muschamp

I've posted this art piece by Sydney Muschamp, (British, 1851-1929) called "The Proposal," from Lovely Whatevers, where more of his art is displayed.

A brief biography of this painter:

Muschamp’s brush was motivated by his love of the past and he concentrated on portraying Shakespearean, Classical and Baroque lifestyles. This becomes quite evident, when reviewing titles of paintings he exhibited during his lifetime – these include: The Merchant of Venice, The Sonnet, Much Ado about Nothing, Juliet and her Nurse, The Fool and Maria: A Scene for ‘Twelfth Night’, The Winning of the Golden Fleece and Ivanhoe.

Born in Hull, the artist lived in London and exhibited his works between 1870 – 1903 at many of the major halls, including: the Royal Academy; Suffolk Street; Royal Society of Artists, Birmingham; Dudley Gallery & New Dudley Gallery; Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool; Manchester City Gallery; Royal Society of British Artists; Royal Hibernian Academy; and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. He died in 1929. http://www.rehs.com/Francis_Sydney_Muschamp_Bio.html

Llandudno Beach by Sydney Muschamp

Looking into the paintings gives a glimpse of the textiles and homes of the era. I always enjoy seeing the architecture and the interiors, including draperies, tassels, fireplace mantels, clocks, mirrors, chairs, rugs, window seats, floors, etc. Many other things in the beach paintings can be observed, but I will let the readers do that!