To many, it represents the ultimate clarity in art....a contrast in perception that can only be presented using a limited color palette. It reminds people of the 'simplicity of blues guitar'.....easy to learn, impossible to master!

Yet, something about the 'black and white drawing', otherwise known as 'monochrome' or 'drawing in monochrome' seems to fascinate people....the simplicity of a black and white drawing seems to register a depth not found in color counterparts.

Yes, even the master oil painter begins with an under drawing on which to paint, and that stage of the painting is where most of the action is......the proportion, perspective....it all has to happen with the initial drawing.

Others say that with a black and white drawing, we are able to add a bit of our own imagination while viewing.....we are able to complete the picture in our minds, much like reading a book AFTER the movie production is on the big screen....it just seems more 'interesting' many times.

Now, a black and white drawing isn't 'necessarily' a pencil drawing! However, the phrase does conjour the image and thought of a very limited color palette which does remind us of the good old standard....the pencil drawing.