The Pencil

A showcase of pencil works by a master of the medium, this volume explains Paul Calle's process and provides a fantastic gallery of demonstrations and inspiration for artists at intermediate to advanced levels. Calle — whose clients have included NASA, the National Park Service, Ladies' Home Journal, and the U.S. Postal Service — explores pencil drawing as a serious medium rather than just a preliminary to painting.


Starting with a brief history of the development of the pencil and its use by celebrated artists of the past, Calle discusses tools and materials before introducing a series of demonstrations. Lavishly illustrated chapters examine form, figure drawing, sketching, drawing from nature, perspective, and more, including tips on doing trial renderings of key sections of a picture, making corrections, handling perspective and composition, and using photography and other drawing aids.


This new edition brings The Pencil, Calle's most defining book on working in graphite, back in to circulation after 25 years. It features revisions and updates by the author's son Chris Calle, who is also an accomplished artist and illustrator. Students and teachers as well as serious beginners who want to draw in a realistic style will appreciate this opportunity to sharpen their pencil techniques.