Willy Pogany is one of my favorite illustrators. He was a Hungarian-born artist who was active in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Pogany is renowned for his remarkable contributions to the field of illustration, particularly for his work in classic literature, mythology, fairy tales, and children's books.

In addition to his illustration work, Willy Pogany also authored several art instruction books. One of these books, titled "Willy Pogany's Drawing Lessons" (1946), holds a special place in my heart. I often find myself flipping through its pages, reveling in Pogany's unique drawing style.

The instructions in the book are simple and straightforward, making it easy to grasp the concepts he explains. Pogany starts by illustrating the relationship between a simple dot, a blank page, and the art of observation. He then delves into perspective, ensuring it doesn't become too complicated, followed by lessons on anatomy, specifically the depiction of the head and body. The book concludes with a showcase of Pogany's own work.

This beloved book has seen several reprints over the years. One of the more recent reprints is titled "The Art of Drawing" (1996) by Madison Books. While the content remains the same, it continues to be a cherished resource for anyone interested in learning about drawing.

Willy Pogany's enduring influence as an illustrator and his ability to teach through his instructional books have left an indelible mark on the world of art and continue to inspire aspiring artists to this day.

Wikipedia page