Head of young man 1905

This is Picasso’s 'Head of a Young Man', and it was made with oil on canvas. I am drawn to the way the brushstrokes create a sense of form, the figure emerges from the canvas as Picasso builds up colour and tone. It feels like he is thinking through the process of painting, rather than aiming for a photorealistic image. The colour palette is quite restricted, warm oranges, pinks, and browns, creating a sense of unity. Look at the way the light catches the cheekbone and brow. The paint is applied thinly and smoothly, and yet it retains a tactile quality. I can see the trace of the brush as it moves across the canvas. The lines around the eyes and mouth are particularly striking, adding depth and personality to the figure. In some ways, this reminds me of Cezanne, especially in the way that form is constructed through colour and the visible brushstrokes. Like Cezanne, Picasso invites us to see the painting as a process, an ongoing conversation between the artist and the canvas. There is no right or wrong answer, it's all about the journey.