Sculptor Reclining with His Model before a Small Torso (Sculpteur au repos avec son modèle, anémones et Petit Torse) 1933

This etching, made by Pablo Picasso, employs a deceptively simple line to describe a complex scene. The marks feel almost casual, like a doodle, but they build a rich sense of form and space. This approach to artmaking, where the process is laid bare, is something I really connect with. The materiality of this work is fascinating. The lines are thin and delicate, yet they create a tangible sense of weight and volume. Look at the sculptor's beard, a flurry of tiny marks, each one distinct, yet together they give a real feeling of texture. The lack of shading or color forces us to focus on the pure form, the essence of the subject. It’s incredible how much information Picasso conveys with so little. The way Picasso pares everything down reminds me of Matisse's line drawings, but with a rawer, more intimate feel. Both artists shared a love for simplicity, and it's a reminder that art doesn't always need to be complicated to be profound.