Picasso's Speed and Time: Understanding His Unique Approach to Painting

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, was known for his prolific output and innovative approach to painting. The time it took him to complete a painting varied immensely, ranging from mere hours to several months, depending on the complexity of the work, his artistic goals, and his personal circumstances.

The Variability in Picasso's Painting Process

Stanis?aw Garcia-Bruyas, Pablo Picasso's son, claimed that his father did not have anyone observing him while he painted. This suggests that the artist was often working on multiple pieces simultaneously and could complete them within a single day. During his more prolific periods, such as the Blue and Rose periods, Picasso might have created several works in a relatively short time frame. However, for more complex and large-scale projects, the process could take weeks, months, or even longer.

When Did Picasso Really Finish Painting?

According to Picasso himself, the notion of completion as traditionally understood was incongruent with his artistic process. He stated that to finish a painting was to 'kill it, to rid it of its soul, to give it its final blow, the coup de grace, for the painter as well as for the picture.' This perspective hinted at his belief in the ongoing nature of painting and the idea that a work could always be enhanced or altered.

Speed in Picasso's Artistic Methodology

Contrary to the traditional aesthetic theory that correlates superior quality with a greater investment of time and effort, Picasso's method was strikingly different. He rushed through his paintings, sometimes completing them in as little as two and a half hours. This rapidity can be observed in many of his finished artworks, where the fusion of colors and brushstrokes reveal a level of spontaneity and immediacy that is often surprising.

Breaking Traditional Aesthetic Theories

During the early modernist period, Picasso and other artists were pushing against the traditional norms of painting. They liberated themselves from the necessity to formulate superior quality through long hours of meticulous detail. Instead, they focused on the strength of the drawing and composition, using minimal underpainting and relying on the immediacy of their marks. This approach allowed Picasso to produce a significant number of works in a short period, challenging the pre-modern idea that more time and effort equate to higher quality.

The Extent of Picasso's Output

Pablo Picasso had a professional career spanning approximately 70 years, during which he created an estimated 50,000 works of art. Mathematically, this translates to about two pieces per day, including weekends. While the majority of these works consisted of paintings that he completed quickly, his output during his active painting periods averaged three per day. Picasso's paintings were often characterized by their bold lines and simple forms, reflecting his belief in the power of minimalism and immediacy.

Today, visitors to the Picasso Museum in Paris can witness the evidence of Picasso's speed directly. The paint on many of his canvases is peeling, a testament to his rush to get the work done and his disregard for long-term preservation. This approach to painting not only influenced his artistic process but also set a new standard for the modern era, encouraging a return to immediacy and spontaneity.

In conclusion, while the time it took Picasso to complete a painting varied greatly, his unique approach to painting and his disregard for the traditional norms of artistic production have left a lasting impact on the art world.