American Fine Arts: Poet Anne Bradstreet, Artist Benjamin West, Composer William Billings

Course Summary

Learn about the life and artwork of three of America's first fine artists: Anne Bradstreet, Benjamin West, and William Billings.

Course Description

This class details the simple yet extraordinary lives of three of America's first fine artists: • Poet Anne Bradstreet, recognized as the first English-American woman poet, recorded in her poetry moving details of her life. • Artist Benjamin West, considered to be America's first great fine art painter, was self-taught. • Composer William Billings was thought by some to be the Father of American choral music, despite his life of hardship. In this three-week course, we will dive deeper into the lives and artwork of these three great American artists. ★ Students will leave class with a greater appreciation for America's first fine artists who set for us a precedence of creativity and faith.

Syllabus

WEEK ONE Poet Anne Bradstreet • Learn about the life of Anne and the historic period in which she lived • Read several of her poems • Discuss poetry style and structure • Write a few poetic verses about a personal life experience WEEK TWO Artist Benjamin West • Learn about the life of Benjamin West and the historic period in which he lived • Observe several pieces of art • Create an original piece of art WEEK THREE Composer William Billings • Learn about the life of William Billings and the historic period in which he lived • Listen to some of his compositions • Write original song lyrics

Supplies

WEEK ONE ✔︎ Notebook or two sheets writing paper ✔︎ Pen WEEK TWO ✔︎ Notebook or one sheet of writing paper ✔︎ Pen One sheet mixed-media paper Art medium of choice (watercolors, acrylic paint, colored pencils, graphite pencils, etc.) WEEK THREE ✔︎ Notebook or two sheets of writing paper ✔︎ Pen