Pablo A graphic biography captures the prolific life of Picasso

See sample pages from this book at Wink.

Before reading this massive comic book biography about Pablo Picasso (18811973), I knew almost nothing about him. I thought hed spent most of his life in Spain, so I was surprised to learn that he began his career in Montmartre, the Bohemian district of Paris in the early 1900s. The story is mainly told through the recollections of Fernande Olivier, who was Picassos lover before Picasso became famous and who modeled for over 60 of his paintings. In addition to chronicling Picassos early years, Pablo is like a short course in the art scene of Paris at time. It never feels like a textbook, though, thanks to Julie Birmants fine storytelling.

Each panel, rendered by Clement Oubrerie, is a lush watercolor painting. I had to slow down while reading it to appreciate the detail.

Pablo: Art Masters Series
by Julie Birmant and Clement Oubrerie
SelfMadeHero
2015, 342 pages, 7.5 x 1.1 x 9.5 inches (paperback)
$21 Buy one on Amazon