Computers, now the writer's tool of choice, are still blamed by skeptics for a variety of ills, from speeding writing up to the point of recklessness, to complicating or trivializing the writing process, to destroying the English language itself. A Better Pencil puts our complex, still-evolving hate-love relationship with computers and the internet into perspective, describing how the digital revolution influences our reading and writing practices, and how the latest technologies differ from what came before. The book explores our use of computers as writing tools in light of the history of communication technology, a history of how we love, fear, and actually use our writing technologies--not just computers, but also typewriters, pencils, and clay tablets. Dennis Baron shows that virtually all writing implements--and even writing itself--were greeted at first with anxiety and outrage: the printing press disrupted the "almost spiritual connection" between the writer and the page; the typewriter was "impersonal and noisy" and would "destroy the art of handwriting." Both pencils and computers were created for tasks that had nothing to do with writing. Pencils, crafted by woodworkers for marking up their boards, were quickly repurposed by writers and artists. The computer crunched numbers, not words, until writers saw it as the next writing machine. Baron also explores the new genres that the computer has launched: email, the instant message, the web page, the blog, social-networking pages like MySpace and Facebook, and communally-generated texts like Wikipedia and the Urban Dictionary, not to mention YouTube. Here then is a fascinating history of our tangled dealings with a wide range of writing instruments, from ancient papyrus to the modern laptop. With dozens of illustrations and many colorful anecdotes, the book will enthrall anyone interested in language, literacy, or writing.

An introduction to drawing, cartooning, and capturing the essence of a subject all while having fun. It features step-by-step instruction from Professor Blook, Loomis' alter ego on the page.

A Better Pencil puts our complex, still-evolving hate-love relationship with computers and the internet into perspective, describing how the digital revolution influences our reading and writing practices, and how the latest technologies differ from what came before.

Pencil and his boy Jackson are a great pair: they draw, they sketch, they scribble. But then Jackson gets Tablet and Pencil finds himself dumped in the dreaded junk drawer; he just can’t compete with Tablet’s videos, games, and movies. How will Pencil ever reclaim Jackson’s attention? With the help of some new pun-loving junk-drawer friends (and a drooling, pencil-chomping dog), Pencil sketches out a plan to draw Jackson back into their friendship. A former educator whose first book was shortlisted for a Crystal Kite award, author Ann Ingalls uses kid-friendly puns and an upbeat tone in this story that celebrates friendship, collaboration, and unplugged fun. Buoyed by award-winning artist Dean Griffith’s always-exuberant illustrations, Pencil: A Story with a Point is a gentle reminder that technology is no match for imagination.

This the story of how a young man turned $25 into more than 200 schools around the world and the guiding steps anyone can take to lead a successful and significant life. The author began working summers at hedge funds when he was just sixteen years old, sprinting down the path to a successful Wall Street career. But while traveling he met a young boy begging on the streets of India, who after being asked what he wanted most in the world, simply answered, "A pencil." This small request led to a staggering series of events that took the author backpacking through dozens of countries before eventually leaving one of the world's most prestigious jobs at Bain & Company to found Pencils of Promise, the organization he started with just $25 that has since built more than 200 schools around the world. This book chronicles the author's journey to find his calling, as each chapter explains one clear step that every person can take to turn your biggest ambitions into reality, even if you start with as little as $25. His story takes readers behind the scenes with business moguls and village chiefs, world-famous celebrities and hometown heroes. It is filled with compelling stories and shareable insights. All proceeds from this book support Pencils of Promise.

This guide offers an outstanding overview of the finer points of pencil work, both for sketching and detailed finished drawings. Author Frank M. Rines discusses approaches to graphite work and techniques for still life and landscape drawing. He emphasizes the importance of good design and composition as well as accuracy, showing how to develop an outlined drawing by adding lights and shadows together with the suggestion of color and texture. Suitable for artists and art students of intermediate and advanced skills, this single-volume edition combines two instructional manuals by Rines, Pencil Drawing and Pencil Sketches. Plentiful illustrations include full-page images as well as smaller images and progressive examples that demonstrate the use of perspective, the contrast of light and shade, and other elements of technique. Subjects include rustic scenes and rural landscapes, with many valuable tips for drawing trees, flowers, doorways, and buildings

This complete kit makes it easy to start exploring the exciting art form of pencil drawing because it comes with everything a beginning artist needs—from a set of high-quality materials to comprehensive instructions. The project book covers the basics, such as handling the pencil and applying shading, before delving into simple step-by-step lessons that give would-be artists a chance to apply their newfound knowledge. And every lesson can be accomplished with the array of drawing materials provided. The hardcover case includes a 40-page paperback book with corresponding Spanish instruction, 6 drawing pencils (B, F, H, HB, 2B, 2H), a flat sketching pencil, a charcoal pencil, a sharpener, kneaded and rubber erasers, an artist’s triangle, 2 tortillons, a sandpaper block, and drawing paper and pad. Warning! This product is intended for use by ages 13 and older and is not intended for use by children.

Artists and teachers Bildow and Newton provide about 20 step-by-step demonstrations that reveal the secrets of working with colored pencil. They answer the most commonly-asked questions about the medium, from basic techniques and proper tool selection to creating realistic colors, light, and textur

Describes and illustrates the tools and methods involved in creating a pencil drawing, focusing on the techniques for rendering architecture, interior furnishings, and landscapes

Linus and his eraser, Ernie, don't always see eye to eye. But with the family art show drawing near, these two will have to sharpen their collaboration to make something neither one could do on their own! This ode to art by the illustrator of Spoon and Chopsticks points out the power of sharing the creative process and sticking with it.