Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881-1973) challenged most art conventions in his long career. If he came upon a rule in art, he found a way to break and invent around it. He is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, credited with the co-founding of Cubism, constructed sculpture and collage. He worked as a master in all art mediums.
In his 80’s Picasso is quoted as saying that it took him four years to paint like Raphael of the Italian Renaissance but a lifetime to paint like a child. The Doves seems a work from his hope to paint as a child. This bright and beautiful scene through a window surrounded by birds seems to include the freedom and probably fast-paced painting of a child. If you haven’t painted with a child recently, you should find a child and paints and prepare to be in the presence of God. The unfiltered, honest, confident work of a child showing us the world as they see it is a clear reminder that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Through their eyes and hands we can know the love, hope, joy, and peace of Our Creator who made the world and called it good.
In gratitude, faith and hope,
Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church
The Doves, 1957 | Pablo Picasso
*from the Picasso Museum, Barcelona, Spain