There is a story—or rather legend—floating around regarding one of my favourite artists, Pablo Picasso. Story has it that it was a fine afternoon in the park, and Picasso was sitting on a bench sketching away when a woman approached and said boldly,
“It’s you—Picasso, the great artist! Oh, you must sketch my portrait! I insist.”
And thus he agreed to do so. He studied her momentarily, grabbed a new pencil, and created a portrait of her using but one pencil stroke. He gave the woman his art.
She cried out, “It’s perfect! You managed to capture my essence with one stroke, in one moment. Thank you! How much do I owe you?”
“Five thousand dollars,” replied Picasso quite matter-of-factly.
“B-b-but, what?” the woman sputtered. “How could you want so much money for this picture? It only took you a second to draw it!”
To which Picasso responded, “Madame, it took me my entire life.”
Written 8 Aug 10 @ 12:23pm