The Life and Work of Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is viewed by many as a patriarch of modern art. Born in Spain in 1881, Picasso lived through both world wars and a host of other conflicts as the face of Europe changed throughout the twentieth century. Perhaps best known for his commentary on war in his mural "Guernica" and his radical shift towards Cubism in "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon," Picasso blazed a trail through Europe artistically and politically. Prior to his Cubist works, Picasso experienced a Blue Period followed by a Rose Period during which his palette was dominated by those shades respectively. Picasso died in 1973, having left an indelible mark on the art world.

Art teachers will find it beneficial to have students compare and contrast Picasso’s Blue (1901 – 1904) and Rose (1905 – 1906) Periods. History teachers can collaborate by having students create a timeline of historical events (social, cultural and political) which characterized both of these eras. It is also important to have students construct a timeline of Picasso’s life during these years so that they can understand what personal factors may have influenced his palette during these eras. Students should be encouraged to create a painting in the style of Picasso’s Blue or Rose Periods or to select a color which they feel best illustrates this time in their own lives.

Since wars have been raging all over the world during students’ lifetimes, consider having students create a work of art that depicts their opinions and views on war like Picasso did in "Guernica." English teachers can collaborate by having students write artists’ statements elucidating their opinions and feelings about war as shown in their art.

Picasso’s work was considered degenerate by the Nazis though he was somehow spared the fate that befell others whose work fell into the same category. Have students explore the art which was considered degenerate and then have an exhibition of these pieces featuring a catalog of student essays analyzing the individual works and their artistic merit.

Pablo Picasso Lessons:

Picasso Artist Extraordinaire

This lesson offers a comprehensive analysis of the life and work of Pablo Picasso. Students explore the different influences which informed his work as well as the evolution of his style and subject matter. Students learn about Picasso’s Blue Period, his Rose Period and his foray into Cubism.

Picasso: Artist of the Century

Employing a jigsaw strategy, students work cooperatively to learn basic information about the life of Pablo Picasso. The focus of the lesson, however, is on Picasso’s masterpiece, "Guernica" and his response to the German-led attack on this Spanish town between the two world wars. Although the lesson is directed towards Spanish language teachers and many of the corresponding handouts are in Spanish, it does provide some excellent ideas and resources for art educators and history teachers. In addition, it provides a great opportunity for interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration among Spanish, art and history teachers.

Picasso’s Cubism with Cut Paper Collage

Students explore Picasso’s Cubist works including "The Guitar Player" and "The Three Musicians." They will then have the opportunity to create a cut paper collage in the style of Picasso’s works. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of abstract art and of the Cubist Movement through this lesson.

Exploring War Themes in Art and Poetry

Exploring art and literature together is a powerful way to help students understand the social, political and cultural climate of a certain era. This lesson allows students to analyze and respond in writing to Picasso’s "Guernica" followed by a close reading and analysis of Wilfred Owen’s poem “Dulce et Decorum Est.” Students are likely to have strong opinions on war and may be eager to engage in discussions comparing and contrasting the modern world and its various wars with that of Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.