Pablo PicassoI used to think Picasso was a useless artist because I first saw his works as peculiar, childlike drawings that looked rather silly. I was seeing his cubism and other later works as lacking in skill when really, they were the product of a long journey which was better understood by beginning at... where else? - the beginning.
I had this opportunity when travelling in Europe. I was in Barcelona and stumbled upon a place called the Picasso Museum. Once inside, I was treated to a chronological display of Picasso's works, ranging from when he was just a little boy, painting magnificent portraits, through his various phases of development. For example, the Blue Period, cubism, etc.
In class we looked at some of his work and you even tried your hand at copying his technique.
I will try to bring in the amazing painting that a former student did based on his famous piece, Guernica. It is truly brilliant and now hangs on the wall of my art collector friend [I purchased it from her] alongside a Ralph Hotere and various other notable works.
Actually, that reminds me of another interesting artist I now love but once thought was useless - NZ's own Colin McCahon.
Here are some other related and interesting links:
Do you remember Mr Potato Head? Well try this interactive site ...
www.mrpicassohead.com
Or virtually visit the Barcelona Picasso Museum
For Ralph Hotere click here
[Any idea why I chose black for the Hotere link? Look at some of his work]
For Colin McCahon Google Image results click here
Colin McCahon with his work[btw - always save your work... a computer glitch nearly lost me this post - i was able to find it again in the drafts section after rebooting - phewf!!!]
