1. By Rachel Donlan The three paintings I love the most

3. Information about this painting Title: Christ Crucified With Toledo in the Background Artist: Domenikos Theotokopoulos, El Greco Date of composition: c. 1604-1614 Artistic Era: Spanish Renaissance

4. Why I chose this painting… I chose this painting because I am a firm believer of Christ. This painting reminds me of the day he got crucified for our sins to be washed free. Christ went through the pain of being nailed to the cross so that everyone would be free. This painting reminds me that he died for me and I should live my life for him. I also love to express my faith whenever I can and this painting is my favorite way to do so. In my house I have this painting along with 3 other religious paintings hanging up. This painting reminds me why I am living free and he is the whole reason why I am here today.

6. Information about this painting Title: Moonrise Over the Sea Artist: Caspar David Friedrich Date of composition: c. 1822 Artistic Era: Romantic

7. Why I chose this painting… I don’t always look forward to the beach for only the tan and the waves hitting my toes but I look forward to the sunset each night. I chose this painting because it makes me feel calm. It reminds me of when my family and I sit on the rocks watching the sunset every night while at the beach each summer. The sailboats remind me of my childhood when I would put toy sailboats in the pond in my backyard when I was little. I feel like this picture is a painting of some of my favorite beach memories. Playing in the sand all day and watching the sunset and the sailboats on the sea at night.

9. Information about this painting Title: Autumn Leaves Artist: Yokoyama Taikan Composition Date: c. 1931 Artistic Era: Meiji Era

10. Why I chose this painting… I chose this painting because it makes me feel like I am on the top of the world looking down over my community and the whole earth. Autumn is my favorite season because it is when the leaves change colors. This painting, hence the name, reminds me of autumn and when im laying in the shade underneath the trees staring up at the clouds. This painting reminds me of a fairy tale when the characters fly into the sky above the clouds looking down upon the beautiful thing we call earth. This painting makes me calm and I could look at it for hours just daydreaming of flying above the clouds.