Picasso's Blue Period

I was reading an interesting article about Picasso's Blue Period, and what is speculated to have been the cause of his predominantly melancholy paintings during this time period. One idea is based on the fact that Picasso's closest friend, Casagemas, committed suicide over a lost love. This event is said to have triggered the Blue Period. Another is that of the artist as an outcast from society. At the time of the Blue Paintings, Picasso was far from any family, living in extreme poverty, and feeling unrecognized in his work. A friend of his was quoted as to writing: “Picasso believed Art to be the son of Sadness and Suffering…that sadness lent itself to meditation and that suffering was fundamental to life…If we demand sincerity of an artist, we must remember that sincerity is not to be found outside the realm of grief."
It is further believed that once Picasso found recognition, gained a studio, and found a lover, his mood changed and in turn his subjects for painting did as well: Hence, the Rose Period.
I thought that this insight into his mindset at the time of these works was interesting. Thought you guys might as well.