Describe a moment and analyze: “Write about a single experience or moment, and ask: how does this moment, experience, or encounter relate to my essential question?”

• You can also compare it with learning experiences you have had elsewhere, whether in or out of a classroom, at LREI or elsewhere.

In James’ online art classes, he has given us many assignments regarding studying famous artists and their works. The first assignment that I received from James was to create a PowerPoint discussing the works and history behind René Magritte. While I recognized his painting “The Son of Man,” I was not really familiar with Magritte’s background, techniques, as well as his other art pieces. Before this assignment, I never had an interest in studying or researching famous pieces of art and who makes them. While I enjoyed making my own artwork, the famous artists I should look up to never came of interest to me. However, after researching Magritte for this project and learning more about who he was as an artist, I found myself amazed by his works and techniques. I learned that he was Belgian and mainly known for his work with surrealism. Through this assignment, I also got to go more in-depth and look at the meaning behind his paintings. Little did I know that The Son of Man was a self-portrait and that it isn’t actually symmetrical. There is an eye peeking from over the edge of the apple and the figure’s left arm is bending backward. I noticed that there was a use of line and negative space, as well as meaningful use of color (gray and blue created a depressing and gloomy scene, while the objects that were red and green stood out more). I also learned that Magritte uses motifs in his painting: apples, eggs, rocks, birds, bowler hats, umbrellas, a glass, and clouds in a blue sky. Soon after the assignment, I visited the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), where I recognized one of Magritte’s paintings (The False Mirror). James’ art class has influenced me and helped me develop in various ways. By assigning this project, I learned to find a new appreciation and curiosity for paintings completed by famous artists. It inspired me to do the research for this project and continue to learn, while also creating (working of those pieces of art to make something of my own – with a similar or more modern meaning to it). I am enjoying learning about the little details that cannot initially be seen or understood when looking at these sorts of paintings.