Steve, Wes and I went to the Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum a couple of weeks ago. I loved it, and am going back before the exhibit ends in January.
Wes (who is 15) had some pretty interesting comments. My favorite:
He wasn’t afraid to be ugly.
A few days later I went to the Seattle Public Library and found a book of Picasso’s sketchbook drawings (from the late 60’s, I think). I copied one of his drawings in my own sketchbook:
I was having an “off” day, and it’s not very accurate to Picasso’s drawing (sigh).
I decided to paint it using gouache (which I am trying to teach myself). What did I have to lose?
I do like how it came out (sort of). But creating this particular sketchbook page gave me so much more than a little painting! It was also:
- an opportunity for me to practice contour line drawing
- an opportunity to take the time to REALLY LOOK at Picasso’s sketch, allowing me to enjoy the drawing more
- an opportunity to practice painting with gouache
- a homage to my two “Picasso days”
- a tangible working-through of Picasso’s “not afraid to be ugly” life lesson
When I return to the exhibit in a few weeks I plan to bring my sketchbook and draw some of his paintings. (I didn’t bring it when Wes was there; he gets embarrassed by such things!) I will remind myself constantly that my drawing ability at that moment is not the point; the point is to practice, to document, and to learn how to be “ugly.”
(And if I get a nice little drawing out of it… BONUS!!)
Carla! I love this post. Having gone to the Met twice to see a Picasso exhibit only to stand in front of the same painting twice with tears streaming down my face. I loved reading this post, especially since I have a ‘pretty thing’ about my work. I can’t wait to go to a museum with you.
great post indeed and a beautiful little Picasso page too. And yea, it’s about just doin’ it.
and don’t you love drawing in museums? I always feel so much like a European art student!
Wow! Picasso could learn something from your way with color.
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The coloured version is very cool indeed. Picasso is one cool guy. Check it my Picasso dog Carla… thanks for being such an inspiration!
Merry Christmas!
I went to a Picasso show in New York. I loved that show. It was the last works of His life. He was criticized for the show. It also, did not sell in Europe. Can you believe that? Now, to see these pieces from France, is just awesome. The show is coming close to me and I am going to go. It will be my Birthday present to myself. I hope to take my cat with me. Many of the Hotels allow Pets.
I am making plans to stay three days and she the show twice.
Have been wishing that SMFA, was more like the Met website. It is so cool. It is the only one I have found where you can really study the shows.
Love going there. However, I have been wondering why, Boston and New York have been passing up so many dynamic shows. Maybe better next year.
Hope you have a grand New Year. Love the Picasso.