Was he a child prodigy? Did he show signs of being a genius even as a child? I don’t really think so at all, but you decide…
Cheers…
Art History: Picasso’s Childhood Paintings
Faith saved us from the savages that we were, losing faith makes us savages again
JaZzArt en València 
wow – thanks
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Thank you Beth!
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Cada día se aprende algo nuevo. 👏👏
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A eso aspiro y es algo muy cierto. Gracias 😊👍👌
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😊
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I would agree that the works of his youth are representative of his exposure to his education in art rather than some inherent gift. It, of course, took years to hone his talent and techniques to eventually become the formidable artist he was, but it is nothing someone else could not do. If it were, he would be the only artist we ever talked about. Great post, my friend!
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Well said Brad, I totally agree. Thank you!
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Fascinating… yet I have to disagree somewhat. I’ve been «learning to draw» for almost 7 years now, and there’s no way my drawing could even begin to compare with what Picasso was doing at age 11 and 12. I don’t agree that (paraphrasing here) any art student could do comparable work after a year or two of study. Just my opinion, of course! Thanks for sharing this video.
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Thank you Judith. I truly appreciate your opinion and I am honoured by your visit and time in replying. Reference the ability to draw/paint, I would say that Picasso at 15/16 had already almost ten years training and experience…and help from his father…that prepared him for Art School in Madrid. I, as having gone through art school and private classes, think that any other student that experiences the same will be just as good, just as talented, as talent comes through hard work. One thing I will say is that Picasso was a very hard worker who loved painting immensely and worked continuously at developing his talent. Some students are better than others, it may be due to motivation, practice or simply that they do not work as hard as the others. It happens in all the professions. All the best and greetings from Miami Beach!
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Interesting topic! I know that I’ve worked hard to learn the basics of drawing, but of course, I’m self-taught, learning from reading books and watching tutorials. I’ve never attended art school and was told from childhood on that I couldn’t draw, so starting at a very old age, I guess maybe I’m an exceptionally slow learner. All I know is that despite a lot of practice and a lot of hard work, my drawing is nowhere near as proficient as Picasso’s «childhood» drawings. I do know that drawing is a skill that can be learned, and yes, I agree that desire and determination are important. I’m living proof that anyone can learn to draw. But there will always be those with «natural» talent — and I think Picasso was one — for whom drawing and painting come easily. For me, it’s definitely a struggle, but I enjoy being able to draw a little now, so I keep struggling with it, always learning more.
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I definitely think you are doing the right thing and heading in the right direction Judith. Not all artists are proficient in the same things. I know many artists that do not draw at all. It’s a matter of choice, both in what one does as an artist and what one chooses to leave aside. In art school one accumulates learning and skills, as an artist one creates. One forgets all that one was taught and one makes art. If you’ve learned the rules, the craft, then it’s in you. There are no naturals, it all comes down to “practice makes perfect.” Cheers. I appreciate your input into this topic, your visit and your time. It’s very important to have frank and good discussions on art. All the best.
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I’ve enjoyed the discussion. I will add that I also know artists who don’t draw at all, and yes, they are still artists. For a long time, I couldn’t understand that. To me, «being an artist» always meant «being able to draw». You’re right about being proficient in different things. My drawings are still elementary level, but meanwhile I have a growing collection of ribbons from different judges at various shows for my landscape oil paintings. I’m also beginning to see a greater sense of what I call «artistry» as I look around my studio. I’m developing my own style, getting a bit of confidence, and «doing my own thing» — and it shows. My art has a new sense of energy and excitement, I think. It seems to me that I’ve reached a point where I’m learning and growing at a faster rate now. Does that make any sense? I can see and feel such a difference in my art over just the last year. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated!
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I think it makes perfect sense Judith and it is a very positive move forward. The more we engage in our art the better it gets, for sure. And don’t worry too much about style, art is the search and the discovery is our progress as artists. You know the artists of the Middle Ages and early Renaissance did not even consider themselves artists. They thought of themselves as artisans and craftsmen (few women) and interpreters of their work of painting, which were portraits of kings or the nobility and religious scenes. So now that we are artists, we should always raise our profession and continue with the tradition of innovation and discovery. It is quite a pleasure to discuss these issues with you. Cheers, I appreciate it. All the best and greetings from my refuge in Miami Beach.
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I’ve been browsing your blog, and I love your artwork as well as the thoughts you share. I did a post last year asking «When Does It Stop Being Art»… regarding abstract art. I’m fascinated by abstract art yet find it very difficult to create, so I was following a lot of suggestions on «dripping, pouring, and splattering»… and I had to finally stop and say, «Wait a minute! This isn’t art. It’s just splatters of paint.» That said, however, I love Jackson Pollock. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog posts and learning from you. 🙂
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Thank you Judith, I really appreciate it and I also appreciate and liked your blog entries as well. Reference abstract art, I have studied and written much about it. It is art, no doubt and a very strong school of art at that, however, it has a process, a philosophy and a point of reference. It cannot be intuitive, like a child splattering paint around. The reason why abstract art, true abstract art, is difficult is because the reference is within the head of the artist, not visible in any way and the painting must not show anything comparable to the natural world. But it still faces the same problems as figurative art. One must think of the composition, the colours, the message, the style et al. I am learning, we are all learning…we should be…and we teach and learn from each other as each one of us has unique and diverse things to teach others. That is my main purpose for creating this blog and I truly appreciate having met you. All the best.
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I’m very pleased to get to know you, too. I am looking forward to visiting our blog and seeing more of your art, as well as hearing more of your thoughts.
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Me too Judith. Thank you and all the best.
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Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and your music. I am not qualified to declare genius or no. I have always believed it was a shame one so capable of (pardon my ignorance) realistic painting would venture off into other styles. For the world, it was fortunate, the variety introduced. For me, while I appreciate some of his later work, I am pulled more to his earlier «real» art. Sorry, but if you’ve taught me anything, it’s that the value of any art comes not from what the artist necessarily was after or what others see, but what I see and feel.
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What you see and feel gives the true value to art as it is something individually pursued. Picasso, in my opinion, was not a child prodigy or a child that showed the qualities of a genius. He was greatly interested and he had the opportunity of his father, who as an artist and art professor tutored him since he was 6 years old. So what he did as a young lad could be comparable to what another one could do given the same circumstances. I think he became the genius, the painter of painters, much later, when luck continued to accompany him and when the right people bought paintings from him and when he began to feel free to experiment and to search. Thank you so much Espie for the kind words, and I am glad you liked the music. We all have our personal taste and it is as valid as the taste of whatever «expert» is out there, and some of them only have taste in their taste-buds! All the best.
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He was a prodigious master of technique at an age when many artists are still years away from formal study. I love his first oil painting, Picador, made when he was 8. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 I hope all is well 🙂 Aiva
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Thank you Aiva! Have a lovely day.
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Personally, I was impressed, but a more informed opinion might come from comparing his work to his fellow art students.
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I’m impressed by his energy and capacity for work in his late eighties…
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No argument about his work ethic. I guess ultimately our response to art is emotional. We can appreciate the artist’s knowledge and skill without necessarily liking the result. I feel this way about musicians and writers too.
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Yes, I do too Pat, there is appreciation for the work ethic and also whether we like or not the results…
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I am not qualified to answer the question either. However I do believe that there are many factors that came into play. Picasso’s was very fortunate to begin his study at an extremely early age influenced by his father. That gave him an advantage over other students. Work ethic and literally loving what you do obviously plays a strong role in a persons ability to become extremely talented. Art is also influenced by one’s belief, love of music, perhaps dance, and the style in which they paint. You are always producing art, and my guess is you see things differently than a non artistic person. Francisco whether it is a photograph, an original composition, a beautiful piece of writing, including writing and producing plays, or a gorgeous painting, others enjoy your work. I also don’t believe that everyone who is an artist can become so incredibly gifted in all of these areas. I believe you are blessed and an amazingly hard worker who loves what he does and appreciates his ability to do what he loves. I think all these things matter. Thank you for this lovely post and for the lovely music. 🦋
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Thank you Joni, so very much! 🙏🏻😊♥️ love and many blessings to you both and your family!
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You are so welcome Francis. Your post are always educational when you write about other artist or your own philosophy. Blessings to you both. 🦋
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