Pablo Ruiz Picasso
Pablo Ruiz Picasso (Oct 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973)
One of the greatest artists of our time. We can’t talk about the art without mentioning Pablo Picasso. He was one of the artists who became famous when he was alive, as most artists’ works are appreciated after their demise. He was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theater designer. He spent most of his life in France.
Picasso was not his last name. His last name was Ruiz. Pablo’s family was known as glovemakers. He did not want to be associated with that so he took upon his mother’s maiden name Picasso. Abstract art was defined by Picasso. His work inspires artists around the world.
He started painting at age seven. He received training from his father in drawing and oil painting. He also attended the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where his father taught. He produced his first oil painting at age 13, including a portrait of his family. The same year, his 7-year-old sister died due to diphtheria, which was a very traumatic for him and his family. After that, his family moved to Barcelona. His father decided to send Pablo to Madrid Royal Academy of San Ernando, the country’s most prestigious school. Pablo admired the work of many artists there especially El Greco and Caravaggio. Then he started to miss classes. Paris was his desired destination.
In the early 1900s, he moved between France and Spain. He experimented in 1904 with various styles of art and produced his own styles which have been reflected in the Blue and Rose period. During his blue period, 1901-1904, Pablo primarily painted in shades of blue with an occasional accent color. The blue period is often perceived as a somber period.
Some facts about Pablo (from AD magazine)
Picasso was extremely superstitious about his hair; his belief was that one’s hair possessed something magical. Hair put in the wrong hands or even discarded hair could bring to the person whose head it came from in danger. As a result, he always dreaded to get his haircut. Only after he fully trusted his barber, would he will allow his hair to be cut.
Some of my favorite quotes of Pablo Picasso:
“Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up.” ~Pablo Picasso
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” ~Pablo Picasso
“We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Are we to paint what’s on the face, what’s inside the face, or what’s behind it?” ~Pablo Picasso
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ~Pablo Picasso
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso
“If I paint a wild horse, you might not see the horse… but surely you will see the wildness!” ~Pablo Picasso
“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?” ~Pablo Picasso
“Painting is an essential function of human life. Wherever human beings live, painting has existed and exists. Painting is a language, as with words.” ~Pablo Picasso
“I paint objects as I think them not as I see them.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” ~Pablo Picasso
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ~Pablo Picasso
“The more technique you have the less you have to worry about it. The more technique there is the less there is.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” ~Pablo Picasso
“When art critics get together they talk about Form and Structure and Meaning. When artists get together they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Love is the greatest refreshment in life.” ~Pablo Picasso
