Claude Monet, born in 1840 in Paris, grew up in Le Havre, where he first developed a passion for art. He began his formal training at the age of 11, attending the Le Havre secondary school of the arts, where he honed his drawing skills. At 17, Monet moved to Paris to study at the École des Beaux-Arts and later took lessons from established artists like Eugène Boudin, who introduced him to plein-air painting, a method that would become a hallmark of his style. Monet's early works were influenced by the Realist movement, but he soon diverged from academic traditions, focusing on light, color, and natural scenes rather than precise details. He embraced experimentation, using quick brushstrokes to capture fleeting moments, which led to the creation of the Impressionist movement. Monet’s artistic journey was deeply shaped by his exposure to new techniques and his desire to represent nature in a more authentic, unfiltered way. I chose this image because I think it is beautiful yet simple, I like how it is the silhouette of the island, I also just love sunsets.