Edited with text by Sarah Howgate. Text by David Dawson, Bella Freud, Colm Tóibín, Tanya Bentley, Catherine Lampert, Isabel Seligman.
Tracing the British figurative master's evolving drawing practice throughout his lifetime
Examining the intimate dialogue between his sketches and paintings from the 1940s to the early 21st century, Drawing into Painting reveals Lucian Freud's lifelong focus on the human face and form. Featuring a gorgeously designed quarter-bound cover printed on uncoated paper, the volume explores how drawing remained central to Freud's artistic practice throughout his life. From quick sketches to finished works in charcoal, pastel and etching, his drawings offer a rare window into his process, revealing shifts in style, experimentation and his evolving mode of seeing. Spanning from his childhood to his final years, the book traces the unconventional path from his drawing practice to his painting, and back again. Alongside a selection of rarely seen drawings and key paintings by both Freud and others, the book includes conversations with David Dawson, Freud's close friend and assistant, and Bella Freud, the artist's daughter. Insightful essays by writer and curator Catherine Lampert, British Museum drawings curator Isabel Seligman, and acclaimed novelist Colm Tóibín further illuminates Freud's world and legacy. Lucian Freud (1922–2011) is celebrated as one of the great figurative realist artists of the 20th century, who devoted his artistic life to portraiture. Famously stating that "everything is a portrait," he created intensely observed portraits of animals and plants, as well as his family members and those in his social circle and daily life.
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
Hyperallergic
Natalie Haddad
The publication focuses on Freud’s interest in the human face, and it’s a revelation to confront the eerie emotional remove and anxiety that he was able to capture, often through minimal gestures. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the might of the artist’s painted bodies, so this book is a welcome addition to the Lucian Freud library.
STATUS: Forthcoming | 4/7/2026
This title is not yet published in the U.S. To pre-order or receive notice when the book is available, please email orders @ artbook.com
FORMAT: Hbk, 9 x 11.5 in. / 224 pgs / 208 color / 2 b&w. LIST PRICE: U.S. $49.95 LIST PRICE: CANADA $75 ISBN: 9781855148154 PUBLISHER: National Portrait Gallery AVAILABLE: 4/7/2026 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Forthcoming AVAILABILITY: Awaiting stock TERRITORY: NA ONLY
Published by National Portrait Gallery. Edited with text by Sarah Howgate. Text by David Dawson, Bella Freud, Colm Tóibín, Tanya Bentley, Catherine Lampert, Isabel Seligman.
Tracing the British figurative master's evolving drawing practice throughout his lifetime
Examining the intimate dialogue between his sketches and paintings from the 1940s to the early 21st century, Drawing into Painting reveals Lucian Freud's lifelong focus on the human face and form. Featuring a gorgeously designed quarter-bound cover printed on uncoated paper, the volume explores how drawing remained central to Freud's artistic practice throughout his life. From quick sketches to finished works in charcoal, pastel and etching, his drawings offer a rare window into his process, revealing shifts in style, experimentation and his evolving mode of seeing. Spanning from his childhood to his final years, the book traces the unconventional path from his drawing practice to his painting, and back again. Alongside a selection of rarely seen drawings and key paintings by both Freud and others, the book includes conversations with David Dawson, Freud's close friend and assistant, and Bella Freud, the artist's daughter. Insightful essays by writer and curator Catherine Lampert, British Museum drawings curator Isabel Seligman, and acclaimed novelist Colm Tóibín further illuminates Freud's world and legacy.
Lucian Freud (1922–2011) is celebrated as one of the great figurative realist artists of the 20th century, who devoted his artistic life to portraiture. Famously stating that "everything is a portrait," he created intensely observed portraits of animals and plants, as well as his family members and those in his social circle and daily life.
