Art Paul - (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An iconic artist and graphic designer, Art Paul was perhaps best known as the founding art director of Playboy magazine - and the person who designed the magazine's legendary bunny logo. But beyond that, Art was also an accomplished painter and illustrator who served as the mentor for a generation of up and coming designers. Art Paul: The Evolution of an Artist explores the life and legacy of Art Paul. Art was always drawing, from his childhood until just before his death at age 93, and despite near-blindness at that age. The book surveys his life's work, including artwork from all stages. Reflections from friends, colleagues, and family are interspersed throughout the book, giving new insight to the artist and his work.

Review Quotes

"Art Paul did for publishing what Warhol did for fine art: he blurred the line between what hangs in galleries and what appears in magazines."-Hugh Hefner

"Art's work embodies the qualities he has cultivated in others. His drawings are as direct as his handwriting. His style reflects his forthrightness, wit, and intelligence without flaunting them. Art's art is the work of a man whose modesty is rooted in a secure ego. He reveals himself by boiling things down to their essence." -Brad Holland

"In Art's relationship with artists, as an artist himself he had an innate empathy with them, and knew instinctively when to not restrict them. He gave artists his trust, in the way Hefner had trusted him. In doing so he allowed them the freedom to be honest, to be themselves, and to produce work with honesty and authenticity. With soul. As Art describes this relationship: 'What I provide is reinforcement and support for artists' personal vision; when artists sense this endorsement, they are comfortable doing their best work. It's a very trusting and warm relationship.'"-James Goggin, RISD + Practice

About the Author

Art Paul (1925 - 2018) was an American graphic designer and the founding art director of Playboy magazine. During his time at Playboy, he commissioned illustrators and artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and James Rosenquist, as part of the illustration liberation movement. In addition to being an art director and graphic designer -- in particular of Playboy's rabbit logo -- Art Paul was an illustrator, fine artist, curator, writer, and composer.