Arts & Craft Information & Tips

Picasso’s ceramics work begins in 1946, when he comes to Valore, in the southeast of France for the second time. Initially, he works in a workshop with his friends at the Madeira workshop, to later move to his own studio. In the following years it produces over 2000 pieces of ceramics. Initially, he took containers made by other ceramists, vases or trays, and painted them with colored glazings. Later, he himself began modeling the objects, initially only by deforming freshly made ceramic vessels so that the usual symmetry was lost. By further distortion, it has been achieved that certain objects, such as vases, turn to another form. The frequent motives of his works from this period are mythical scenes, owls, goats, and unavoidable bulls.

Picasso: “You need to do ceramics. It’s magnificent! “(Turning to me)” – This head is baked. “(Turning to Laurent /):” I made this head. You can watch her where you want, she stays flat. In fact, it makes it a flat color, naturally- because it is colored. I took care of it to look flat on all sides. What is it for what is traced in the picture: depth, maximum space. In the sculpture it has to be closed down in order to achieve a flatness from all sides … “

He first experimented with the clay 1905, when he modeled a group of heads, some of which were later poured into the bronze. The “Vase with Bathers” from 1929 represents an early work that is remarkable for the relationship between painting technique and the shape of a ceramic vessel, and anticipates Picasso’s approach to his later ceramics.

Picasso ceramics are inextricably linked to Vallauris, a small village in Provence. In the first few years of his work at this site, working together with local potters, Picasso made nearly 2,000 works in ceramics. Ceramics was a true ancient artistic skill with a long tradition, which was previously avoided by the painter and sculptor.

Picasso initially took the plates, pots and vases, familiar props from many still images of dead nature, and decorated them with colored glazings, giving a completely new and unusual look to these everyday objects. For example, a plain plate made by a potter in a traditional way would become an arena for fighting bulls. Several flickers of color would turn the edge of the plate into the rows of spectators who watch the spectacle in the arena, the bottom of the plate, in which toreador and bull fight. Thus, by painting a specific shape of a plate in a specific way, Picasso managed to make the metamorphosis of everyday objects into an artwork. With very few strokes, the brush turned the traditional usable object into a picture. Picasso only showed in his art something that is already part of everyday life, after all, we are talking about the neck and body of the vase, like the neck and body of a living person. When a piece of ceramics is painted, it becomes a painting, or sculpture.

After this, it was logical that Picasso also began to model shapes. He began by pressing and folding the ceramic parts that were still fresh, just removed from the potter’s wheelchair. The stiff symmetry of these vessels is thus lost, and the surface has lost its smoothness. In this way he also highlighted the specific characteristics of clay, its characteristics as material. In this way, for example, bent and compacted vases became a woman who kneels.

Experimenting on different types of paint or trying out something new can be both exciting and overwhelming as there’s so much to learn. Getting started with oil painting isn’t as complex as you might think. Oil paints have a slow drying time which makes it easier for you to blend and work areas of your painting. Now, before you put that brush to your canvas, you want to familiarize yourself with the medium. Here are tips to help you get started with your oil painting.

Paint Safely

The first thing you should consider is the medium you’ll use for your painting. Be careful when using highly flammable mediums such as turpentine. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space and wear protective clothing and gloves. It’s also important to have a safe means of disposal. All these precautions and safety measures will protect you from the hazardous chemicals contained in the oil paint pigments.

Know your Materials

After securing your safety precautions, the next step is to determine which tools and materials you need. Your materials for the job should include a palette knife, supports, turpentine, a medium, tubes of paint, a primer, and a selection of high quality brushes. It’s recommended to buy your brushes in-person at a store so you can check the differences in quality before purchasing them. You don’t have to invest in expensive paints. Always remember to paint lean to thick to ensure the layers of paint dry evenly. To prevent cracking layer oils over acrylics and not the reverse.

Prime your Painting Surface

No matter the painting surface you choose, be sure to apply a primer (gesso) so the oil doesn’t seep into the surface. Applying a primer also allows the paint to adhere to the surface more easily. Alternatively, you could purchase a pre-primed canvas or board and use it for your painting.

Use a Limited Painting Palette

Rather than purchasing every color you’ve ever imagined and would like to have in your painting, start or experiment with a just few. This approach allows for color harmony as you’re able to get the feel of the paint. You can see through the colors “in between” the tube colors.

Focus your work on a Central Idea

As mentioned, you should paint fat over lean and thick over thin. What does that even mean? Well, the idea is to save thicker paint for the later layers. What should be used for the first layers is the thinner paint. By so doing, the earlier layers of your painting will dry first and prevent any cracking. Don’t forget to subordinate everything you’re working on to the central idea of your painting. Whatever you’re adding to your paint should not only support the idea but be part of what inspired you to come up with the artwork in the first place.

Be Objective with your Work

For you to grow as an artist, you must always be ready and willing to pick the brush and go on. Never be overly forgiving or overly critical to yourself. There’s always an area you can work on to improve yourself. It’s, therefore, important that you strike a balance and keep growing.