Lucian Freud''s Sketchbooks

Lucian Freud was one of the worlds greatest realist artists. Working only from life, he once claimed, I could never put anything into a picture that wasnt there in front of me. This revelatory publication features a selection of beautifully reproduced images from his sketchbooks. Most of the sketches which include works in pencil, pastel and watercolour from across the artists long career are published here for the first time. These fascinating images extend our understanding of Freuds work and demonstrate the scrutiny he brought to his subjects. The sketchbooks, now in the archive of the National Portrait Gallery, London, include portraits of Freuds family members, friends and lovers. Designs for book covers, images of his beloved dogs and horses, landscapes and interiors appear among nudes, still lifes and several sketches that relate to major works. Around and between the drawings are Freuds annotations and jottings appointments, racing tips, notes, musings which, with startling immediacy, provide a glimpse into the working life of one of the twentieth centurys most important artists. The book includes an insightful essay by Martin Gayford, who sat for portraits by Freud and knew him well, and an illustrated chronology of the artists life. See more