Original Art by Tony Woodbury

Pablo Picasso, born on October 25th, 1881, in Malaga, Spain, was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer. One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso is best known for co-founding the Cubist movement, as well as for his contributions to Surrealism and Symbolism. Picasso showed early artistic talent and was accepted into advanced classes at a young age. He attended art schools in Barcelona and Madrid before moving to Paris in 1904, where he would spend much of his life. It was there that he became friends with other avant-garde artists such as Georges Braque, and the two of them collaborated closely in developing the Cubist style. Cubism, Picasso`s most famous contribution to art, was a revolutionary approach to representation that broke away from traditional perspective and sought to depict objects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously. This technique resulted in fragmented forms and geometric shapes, creating a sense of movement and dynamism in the artwork. Some of Picasso`s most famous Cubist works include `Les Demoiselles d`Avignon` and `Guernica.` In addition to his work in Cubism, Picasso was also known for his innovations in other styles, such as Surrealism and Symbolism. In his Surrealist works, Picasso explored the subconscious mind and the dream world, creating fantastical and often bizarre images that defied rational explanation. His Symbolist pieces, on the other hand, were characterized by their use of symbolic imagery and allegory to convey deeper meaning. Throughout his long and prolific career, Picasso created thousands of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and ceramics, as well as designs for theater productions and book illustrations. His work encompassed a wide range of subjects, including portraits, still lifes, nudes, and mythological scenes. Picasso`s art was marked by constant experimentation and reinvention, as he never ceased to push the boundaries of what was possible in art. Picasso`s impact on the art world cannot be overstated, as his innovative techniques and bold vision continue to influence artists to this day. He received numerous awards and accolades during his lifetime, including the prestigious Lenin Peace Prize in 1950. Picasso passed away on April 8th, 1973, leaving behind a vast and diverse body of work that continues to captivate and inspire audiences all over the world.