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Federico von Borstel

This is a course on the work of the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Pablo Picasso is one of the most influential painters of modern art. The innovations that he, along with George Braque, developed had a profound influence on modern art. In addition to the work of Picasso we study and enjoy the work of Cezanne, George Braque and Juan Gris. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This is a course on the work of the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Pablo Picasso is one of the most influential painters of modern art. The innovations that he, along with George Braque, developed had a profound influence on modern art. In addition to the work of Picasso we study and enjoy the work of Cezanne, George Braque and Juan Gris. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • After taking this course students will have a much more profound appreciation and understanding of modern art.
  • Increased appreciation of art
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course enhances human development.

Syllabus

Introduction
Picasso Lecture 2
Picasso Lecture 3
Picasso Lecture 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the innovations of Picasso and Braque, providing a deep dive into the foundations of Cubism and its impact on the broader art world
Examines the works of Cézanne, Braque, and Gris, offering a broader understanding of the Cubist movement and its influences
Aims to enhance human development through art education, potentially appealing to learners interested in personal growth
Promotes self-learning, which may benefit independent learners who enjoy exploring art history at their own pace
Includes lectures with graphic material generated first-hand on site, which may offer unique insights and perspectives

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Reviews summary

Picasso and cubism: a philosophical take

learners say this course offers a unique perspective on Picasso and Cubism, often highlighting the instructor's passion and knowledge. Students report gaining a deeper appreciation for modern art. However, the course's core focus on an "education for evolution" philosophy is a significant point of division; many found it confusing or irrelevant to the art history content, while others felt it was insightful and valuable. The lecture style is sometimes described as unstructured or rambling.
Style is personal, sometimes unstructured
"...the lecture style is quite unstructured, sometimes feeling more like a personal reflection than a clear lecture."
"Sometimes the lectures felt a bit rambling and hard to follow."
"It was mostly the instructor talking about his personal philosophy, which frankly didn't make much sense to me."
"Could use more structure in the video lessons."
Unique focus on evolutionary education concept
"...tying it into the evolutionary concept, which was initially confusing but ultimately very insightful."
"My only reservation is the 'education for evolution' aspect, which I found a bit tangential..."
"The evolutionary concept was difficult to grasp and seemed unnecessary for understanding the art."
"...instructor spent too much time on his personal theories about evolution and education, which I didn't sign up for."
"I found the education philosophy fascinating and it changed how I think about learning."
"While interesting, the evolution concept felt like a tangent from Picasso."
Good analysis of artwork examples
"The parts specifically on Picasso and Cubism were excellent, with great visuals and analysis of the artwork."
"Provided a solid overview of Picasso's development into Cubism. The analysis of the key works was insightful."
"Great visuals and examples used throughout the course."
"Seeing the progression through the artworks was helpful."
Helps build appreciation for modern art
"Gained a much deeper appreciation for Cubism and modern art."
"It made me think about art and perception in a completely new way."
"I feel I understand the context of Picasso's work much better."
"This course genuinely increased my appreciation for Cubism."
Delivered with passion and unique insight
"This was a fantastic course. The instructor is clearly passionate about the subject and provides unique insights..."
"Absolutely loved this course! The instructor's approach is so refreshing."
"Engaging and educational! The instructor's enthusiasm is contagious..."
"The instructor is clearly passionate and knowledgeable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pablo Picasso and Cubism with these activities:
Review Art History Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of art history to better contextualize Picasso's work and the Cubist movement.
Browse courses on Art History
Show steps
  • Review key art movements leading up to Cubism.
  • Familiarize yourself with major artists and their contributions.
  • Study the timeline of art history to understand the evolution of styles.
Explore Online Resources on Cubist Techniques
Refine your understanding of Cubist techniques through online tutorials and demonstrations.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on Cubist painting and sculpture.
  • Follow along with the tutorials to practice different techniques.
  • Experiment with applying these techniques to your own artwork.
Read 'Cubism' by Christopher Green
Gain a deeper understanding of the Cubist movement and its historical context.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and artists.
  • Reflect on how the book enhances your understanding of Picasso's work.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Comparative Analysis of Picasso and Braque
Deepen your understanding of the nuances between Picasso and Braque's contributions to Cubism.
Show steps
  • Research the individual styles and techniques of Picasso and Braque.
  • Identify similarities and differences in their approaches to Cubism.
  • Write a short essay or create a presentation comparing their works.
Read 'Success and Failure of Picasso' by John Berger
Develop a more critical and comprehensive understanding of Picasso's artistic journey.
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying attention to Berger's arguments and analysis.
  • Consider how Berger's perspective challenges or reinforces your own understanding of Picasso.
Design a Cubist-Inspired Artwork
Apply your knowledge of Cubist principles to create your own artwork, solidifying your understanding through practical application.
Show steps
  • Study the key characteristics of Cubist art, such as fragmentation and multiple perspectives.
  • Choose a subject and experiment with different Cubist techniques.
  • Create a painting, collage, or sculpture inspired by Cubism.

Career center

Learners who complete Pablo Picasso and Cubism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art historian
An art historian studies the history of art, analyzing works within their cultural, social, and historical contexts. This role often involves research, writing, and teaching about art. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps build an understanding of the modern art movement with a focus on key figures like Picasso, Braque, and Cezanne. Knowledge of these artists is essential for an art historian specializing in modern art, and the course material can improve a student's ability to think critically about the forces that shape art history. The course may also benefit from the teacher's approach and methodology to teaching the subject.
Art Curator
An art curator is responsible for acquiring, managing, and displaying art collections. This role involves researching artists and movements, and the course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps build a foundation in understanding modern art, a crucial expertise for any curator. The course's focus on Picasso, Braque, and others provides a deep dive into a critical period of art history. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on self-learning may improve a curator's ability to independently engage and research the art that they work with.
Art Critic
An art critic reviews and evaluates artworks, often for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. This role requires not only a deep understanding of art history, and art theory, but also an ability to communicate clearly. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps provide a foundation in modern art, specifically the contributions of Picasso and his contemporaries to the movement. The knowledge of these artists and their historical impact may improve the critic's expertise in modern art analysis, and the course's focus on self-learning may further a critic's independent analysis of an artwork.
Gallery Director
A gallery director manages the operations of an art gallery, selecting artists, curating exhibitions, and overseeing sales. This position requires a strong knowledge of art and the art market. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps build a foundation in modern art, which is a critical understanding for any gallery director. By studying Picasso's innovations, a gallery director may be more equipped to develop exhibitions with vision. The course’s focus on self-learning will also be useful in independently understanding the art market and the artists they might represent.
University Professor
A university professor conducts research and teaches courses in a specific academic discipline. This position requires advanced degrees in their field and a demonstrable passion for their subject. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful for an art historian specializing in modern art, as Picasso is a critical figure in this movement. The course's emphasis on specific artists and movements may enhance their knowledge and experience teaching students. The teacher's stated aim to teach as they wanted to have been taught may also further a professor's teaching approach.
Art Consultant
An art consultant advises clients on art purchases, collection management, and investment strategies within the art market. An art consultant must possess a strong grasp of the art world. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps build a basis in modern art, a crucial subfield for a consultant to be knowledgeable about. The course's study of Picasso's work is valuable in understanding the progression of modern art, and the course's emphasis on self-learning may improve a consultant's ability to independently evaluate art.
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and implements educational programs for museums, designed to engage the public with art and culture. In this role, they teach visitors about art and art history. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful in developing educational content for modern art by understanding the work of artists like Picasso and his peers. The course helps build a depth of art appreciation, which will inform the educator's approach. The course also promotes self-learning, which is useful to continually develop innovative educational strategies.
Visual Artist
A visual artist creates original artworks using a variety of mediums. This role requires creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of art history and art movements. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps provide an in-depth look into the work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The course's focus on artists like Picasso, Braque, and Cezanne may help an artist to develop their own style and technique, while their emphasis on self-learning may further their drive to experiment and grow their art practice.
Art Appraiser
An art appraiser determines the monetary value of artworks for insurance, sales, or donation purposes. This role requires a thorough knowledge of art history and an understanding of the art market. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism helps build a foundation in modern art, which is essential for an appraiser to assess art from this period. A study of Picasso may improve an art appraiser's ability to identify and evaluate various styles of modern art. The course's focus on self-learning may help the appraiser maintain a steady education in the ever changing art market.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates engaging and informative displays for art exhibitions. This role requires a blend of creativity and technical skills to plan and execute a vision. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful for enhancing their understanding of the subject matter when designing a modern art exhibition. The course's focus on Cubism and its key innovators helps provide a deeper expertise on the art form. The instructor's stated desire to teach the subject as they wish they had been taught may also aid in the creation of effective exhibit design.
Art Restorer
An art restorer preserves and repairs damaged artworks. This role demands a deep knowledge of art materials and techniques, along with an understanding of art history. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful in understanding the historical context and materials used by Cubist painters like Picasso and Braque. Understanding their techniques may be useful when working to restore pieces from this era. The course's focus on self-learning may aid a restorer in their constant need for evolving knowledge regarding art restoration technology.
Art Therapist
An art therapist uses art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals cope with emotional, mental, or physical challenges. This position requires a deep understanding of art and psychology. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may help improve an art therapist's understanding of art history and the creative process. The course material may help the therapist to use various art styles, including Cubism, as a tool for helping patients express and process difficult emotions. The course's intention to help improve human development may reflect the therapist's own goals.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visual images for books, magazines, advertising, and other media. This role requires artistic skill and a grasp of visual communication. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful by inspiring an illustrator to experiment with different styles and perspectives, such as those pioneered by Picasso. The course's focus on artists like Picasso, Braque, and Cezanne may help an illustrator to improve their own work by understanding the principles of design and composition, while also inspiring new approaches to art.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. The work often involves the use of images and typography to create visual identities. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful for a graphic designer as it helps provide insight into the principles of design and composition, as exemplified by figures like Picasso and Braque. The course's material can enrich a designer's understanding of art history and visual language, while the self-learning approach that's at the heart of the course may empower the designer to continually grow and evolve their own visual style.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theatrical, film, and television productions. They must collaborate with directors and other designers to produce a vision. The course on Pablo Picasso and Cubism may be useful for a set designer by enhancing their understanding of design through the study of Picasso and his peers, and by inspiring a deeper knowledge of art history and abstraction. The course's content may offer creative insight, particularly to sets that require a sense of modernism or surrealism. The course's emphasis on self-learning may help a designer stay current with trends.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pablo Picasso and Cubism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Cubist movement, its origins, and its key figures. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of Cubism and its impact on subsequent art movements. It valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Cubism beyond Picasso's individual contributions. This book is commonly used as a reference text in art history courses.
Offers a critical perspective on Picasso's career, exploring both his artistic achievements and perceived shortcomings. It provides a nuanced understanding of Picasso's evolution as an artist and his place in art history. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used by art critics and historians.

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