René Magritte, the renowned Belgian surrealist painter, did not pursue formal academic studies in art. He received his education from the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, but he did not graduate. Instead, he focused on learning about art through independent study and self-teaching. He was particularly interested in the work of artists like Giorgio de Chirico and the theories of Sigmund Freud, which greatly influenced his own artistic style.
Magritte's unconventional approach to art education allowed him to develop a unique artistic vision that challenged traditional artistic conventions. His work often explored themes of language, perception, and the nature of reality.