Inspired by Barcelona Pt2: The Picasso Museum

Barcelona's 'Gothic Quarter' is like a step back in time, the streets are narrow and cinematic with washing lines hung between the buildings either side of these picturesque through ways with louvred shutters flanking tall glass windows set behind yet more detailed wrought iron balconies.
It sounds like romanticising because it is, in the short time I was there I feel in love with Barcelona.
The history is evident, the passion and home pride of the Catalonian people is unmistakable.
So it is no surprise that when Pablo Picasso was drawn there as a youth, he blossomed.
An extensive collection of his early works can be found in the museum which itself is built inside five adjoining medieval palaces.
Excited, as I stated in one of my first blogs, Picasso was a major reason and influence to me ever beginning an interest in art. I was not disappointed.
It is a surreal feeling to be standing so close to a painting created by probably the most recognisable name in the entirety of art history.
Standing so close you can see the brush strokes that a master put there himself. Pure Inspiration.
The gallery, houses over 3500 pieces from small pockets sketch books to full framed art works,
I was unsure of the rules around photography, so I took very few pictures,.. and quickly.

The exterior of the five palaces that house Picasso's work

Science and Charity

Las Meninas, a Picasso homage to another Spanish master, Velazquez.

Salvador Dali also painted a version in Homage.

Just being in the same rooms as these works and masterpieces is an abundance of inspiration, teamed with it being in the city defined by Gaudi's presence and steeped in so much rich and varied history.

A history built on art, whether that be design, architecture or football, whatever we regard as art, examples of it can be found in Barcelona.

History and modernity live in a healthy balance in Barcelona, within which, history is the most apparent and modernity is allowed to happen, but in the back ground.

Four nights was not enough time in Barcelona but was still more than enough to return home raring to go and put some of that I had encountered into my own work.