Why I Don't Like Picasso

January 2026

This may offend some of you. I suspect, however, that the majority of readers likely agree with me - although for many different reasons.

And so, it may be controversial, but here's the truth: I don't like Picasso. Not his art. Not his influence on the art world. But what I really, really dislike the most? The fact the so many things are attributed to him that are simply nonsensical.

I've already, in another blog post, covered my disdain for the myth that oil pastels were created for Picasso. (You can read that post here.)

But, as a printmaker, I'm disappointed and angered by the fact that so many sources simply regurgitate and exaggerate, apparently without research, Picasso's contributions to this unique medium.

Did he invent the “reduction” technique (the process of carving away layers of a single block to create a multi-color print)? No. It was likely taught to him by his printer who, odds are, had seen the practice employed by early 20th century British printmakers who had been using the technique years before Picasso.

Did Picasso pioneer the use of color and bold, intricate designs in lino-printing? Absolutely NOT. And, if you don't believe me, look at the works of Ernest W. Watson who was making astonishing multi-color prints of rich, realistic scenes of ships, sunsets, barn interiors, livestock and a multitude of other topics decades before Picasso discovered linoleum as an art medium.

Ask an artist friend if their work is any good and they'll likely reply, "Well... I'm no Picasso, but..." To those folks I say, NO, you're NOT Picasso. Because even Picasso wasn't Picasso. At least not the mythological version of this man which far too many of us have helped perpetuate.