The Pencil

Paul Calle developed an unusual, very fresh, masterful style in graphite that will withstand the times. In his book, he explains his approach, his technique, and his intent as an illustrator. A great reference book for breaking out of old, limiting drawing habits, Calle encourages artists to experiment, find their own style and express who they are through the medium of drawing. He includes his working sketches, his use of photos and reference material, the intent behind his line directions, and a broad portfolio of his technique applied in multiple directions. An inspiration.

I have purchased many drawing and art books over the years. This one is top on my list of drawing books. I would panic if I lost it! lol

Calle summed it up nicely in this book: "I think for me, if I had to state a goal ... my aim would be to help keep alive that huge reservoir of our past, to draw strength and sustenance from it, to build upon it in ways that are new and different, but not reject it." It's an old book now, yet the drawings and methods are as relevant today as any other. I'll gladly keep it as a part of my collection.

What Norman Rockwell did for oil painting, Paul Calle does for the pencil. Beautiful illustrations, masterful text and instruction.

This book is partly a text on drawing and partly a portfolio book of artist Paul Calle. Mr Calle is perhaps one of the best graphite artists in the world. His style is realism (photorealism, to be exact) so if your thing is Picasso, this might not be the text for you. Calle traces his career from his early days in editorial illustration, through his time as a staff artist for NASA during the sixties, to his more recent work celebrating the American West. Along the way, he shares insight into technique and the realities of making a living as a commercial artist. It is perhaps the finest example of pencil illustration I have ever seen. A must for any illustration student. I can't recommend it enough.

Like an old "worthless" violin that comes to life in the hands of a master musician, Paul Calle proves that the pencil, any old pencil, can be used to produce fine art in the hands of a master. I have studied his work in this excellent book, and applied his techniques with every kind of pencil from "drawing" pencils to an old stub found in the garage. Drawing is the foundation of the graphic arts, and Paul Calle raises the "lowly pencil" from a medium for quick sketches to the production of stand alone works of art.