FAME: STRAUSS & RENOIR

This morning we enjoyed our second Fine Arts Mini-Experience (FAME) with Mrs Lewis and Mrs Porter in the Arts Center. This month we learned about the musical stylings of composer Johann Strauss, Jr, and the artistic creations of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.


Mrs. Lewis taught us first about Johann Straus, Jr. He was Austrian composer of light music. He composed over 500 waltzes and was popularly known as "The Waltz King." We enjoyed listening to sections of his most famous pieces including, "The Blue Danube."


Mrs. Porter then taught us about Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The French artist was a leading painter in the development of the impressionist style. He grew up working in a porcelain factory where his drawing talents led him to being chosen to paint designs on fine china.

While studying in Paris he met Claude Monet, among other famous impressionist painters. He was quite poor and did not have money to buy paint. He struggled for recognition which did not come quickly or easily.


Renoir's paintings are notable for their vibrant light and saturated color. In characteristic Impressionist style, Renoir suggested the details of a scene through freely brushed touches of color, so that his figures softly fuse with one another and their surroundings.

As you can see, our class was inspired and their finished pieces turned out full of color and lively details.

We appreciate the hard work of our FAME instructors and the good time we enjoyed this morning learning about two great artists, Strauss and Renoir.