How to Do a Picture Study

One of the most significant pieces of our homeschool has always been family-style picture study. It exposes my children to a myriad of classic art across ages, countries, and styles. It opens conversation and trains their appetite for what is truly beautiful.

Benefits of Picture Study

Simply exposing your child to art can boost their cognitive development, creativity, and academic performance. 

Research shows that art appreciation leads to:

1. Stronger Memory + Focus | Viewing and discussing art activates the hippocampus, improving memory and attention. (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019)
2. Critical Thinking Skills | Kids exposed to art score 9% higher on critical thinking assessments than those who aren't. (University of Arkansas, 2014)
3. Increased Creativity + Problem-Solving | Art appreciation engages the prefrontal cortex, strengthening innovative thinking. (Cognitive Processes, 2018)
4. Better Academic Performance | Art education is linked to a 13% increase in math and reading scores. (Johns Hopkins, 2019)
5. Strengthened Neural Connections | Neuroscientific imaging studies show that observing and interpreting art engages both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, increasing connectivity between regions. Further, viewing art activates the default mode network, which is linked to introspection, imagination, and self-referential thinking. (London University College, 2011)

Why Picture Study Matters in a Catholic Home

In a Catholic home, art appreciation becomes even more profound—it becomes an avenue to encounter Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

Why Study Sacred Art?

As Catholic parents, we’re called to cultivate beauty in our homes. Sacred art opens the heart to God’s presence and forms the Christian imagination.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable… think about these things.”
—Philippians 4:8

Across centuries, the Church has affirmed the value of holy images. At the Second Council of Nicea in 787 A.D., it was declared:

“By so much more frequently as they are seen in artistic representation, by so much more readily are men lifted up to the memory of their prototypes, and to a longing after them.”

Saints, angels, and Christ Himself come alive through art, not just for admiration, but for adoration. As the Catechism says:

“Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God.” (CCC 2502)

The Role of Picture Study in Catholic Formation

Charlotte Mason envisioned a child’s mind as a gallery—filled with “at least a couple of hundred pictures by great masters… hanging permanently in the halls of his imagination.”

When these mental galleries are filled with sacred images, we form not just minds—but souls.

“His Christian imagination expands, leading him to the wellsprings of mental prayer, meditation, and contemplation.”

How to Do a Picture Study

Don’t worry if you’re not an art historian. God equips the called. 

Picture study is a simple yet powerful Charlotte Mason-inspired practice that requires only one thing: time with beautiful, worthy art.

Here’s how to do a picture study in your home:

Step 1: Present the Picture

Place the picture in front of your child without naming the artist or title. Let them hold it if they wish. Invite quiet observation for 3–5 minutes (longer for older children).

Step 2: Narrate the Picture

Turn the picture over and ask your child to narrate—to describe everything they remember. If it’s their first time, model narration by going first. Let them share freely, even if they make mistakes. Don’t correct yet—this is their time to engage and express.

Step 3: Guide the Discussion

After narration, gently guide with open-ended questions like:

• What colors did you see?

• What time of day is it?

• Were there any people, animals, or familiar objects?

• What feelings did the picture give you?

Step 4: Share the Artist + Title

Now, tell them the name of the artwork and artist. If desired, share background on the piece or its symbolism—especially if it’s sacred art.

Step 5 (Optional): Recreate the Artwork

Invite your child to recreate the image by memory or imitation. This deepens attention and appreciation. It can be done with paints, colored pencils, or even crayons! 

Step 6: Display the Picture at Home

Keep the artwork visible—on the fridge, a bulletin board, or framed in a common area—so the whole family can soak in its beauty.

You can find a list of our favorite picture study supplies here.

Ready to Begin?

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start.

We have several Catholic picture studies that make this practice simple, brief, and profound. 

Whether you use classic masterpieces or sacred art prints, this small ritual can become a rhythm of joy in your home. As you sit beside your children, allow the beauty of these works to stir your heart, too.

Together, let your family fall in love with Beauty Himself.

Ready to dive deeper? 

Here are 4 ways to fill your nets... 

 1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses

 2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.

 3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.

 4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!