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Art Quote by Pablo Picasso

“When you begin a picture you often make some pretty discoveries. You must be on guard against these. Destroy the thing, do it over several times. In each destroying of a beautiful discovery, the artist does not really suppress it, but rather condenses it, makes it more substantial. What comes out…” quote by Pablo Picasso
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“When you begin a picture you often make some pretty discoveries. You must be on guard against these. Destroy the thing, do it over several times. In each destroying of a beautiful discovery, the artist does not really suppress it, but rather condenses it, makes it more substantial. What comes out in the end is the result of discarded finds. Otherwise you become your own connoisseur.”

Pablo Picasso

About This Quote

Source Interview: 1975 interview with Pablo Picasso

The artist advises repeatedly destroying and reworking creations, turning discarded ideas into stronger work.

In simple terms: Destroy and rebuild to improve art.

Key Takeaway

Embrace iteration and refinement.

Themes

creativity process resilience

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

artistic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • painting
  • sculpture
  • design projects
  • creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

artistic methodology innovation iteration

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance preservation and transformation?
  • When is it time to discard a concept?
A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can erase original inspiration.

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