http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1556807099023733708
Fragment (3:42) Watch on Google Video

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-344110265961797058
Fragment (2:35) Watch on Google Video

In 1955, French director, Henri-Georges Clouzot had the most amazing idea.

He would film Pablo Picasso as he painted 20 artworks, ranging from quick sketches to widescreen color oil paintings. These time lapse shots give a fascinating insight to the artist's spontaneous process.

Using a specially designed transparent 'canvas' to provide an unobstructed view, Picasso creates as the camera rolls. He begins with simple works that take shape after only a single brush stroke. He then progresses to more complex paintings, in which he repeatedly adds and removes elements, transforming the entire scene at will, until at last the work is complete.

The French government also liked the film—in 1984, it declared The Mystery of Picasso a National Treasure. Unfortunately, because of contractual obligation, almost all of the art created for this film was destroyed at the end of the production.

Shown here are two fragments from the 75 minute long documentary. The complete film is available on DVD via Amazon.

Henri-Georges Clouzot (Wikpedia) | Picasso (Wikipedia) | Via