Point Blank

by Bob Dylan

Demonstrating his sensibility for storytelling, Point Blank is a notably observant series of works based on ‘quick studies’ of characters, objects, and scenarios created between 2021 and 2022.

Reading like a glimpse into Bob Dylan’s visual journal, the collection is infused with a distinct spontaneity, as if capturing fleeting moments or memories.

The choice of subjects adds to the series’ intense emotional resonance. Intriguing object studies such as a mirror which displays a set of lips, a saxophonist looking introspectively at his instrument and a cowboy, whose pistol hangs on his belt in front of a rising sun, all provoke our imagination to contemplate the protagonists of his art and the situations they find themselves in.

This book features the complete series of Point Blank quick studies alongside accompanying prose, revealing an unfurling story or a series of dreamlike anecdotes pertaining to certain works. Surreal in its manifestation and automatic in its spontaneity, the interplay of words and visuals enlivens his paintings even further.  

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

193 pages, Hardcover

Published May 9, 2025

About the author

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman) is an American singer-songwriter, author, musician, poet, and, of late, disc jockey who has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of Dylan's most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a reluctant figurehead of American unrest. A number of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements. His most recent studio album, Modern Times, released on August 29, 2006, entered the U.S. album charts at #1, making him, at age sixty five, the oldest living person to top those charts.

Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016).

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. These quick pencil sketches are on par with works receiving “Honorable Mention” ribbons at the annual Wisconsin State Fair junior high art competition – except not really as interesting. (No exaggeration.) And just like teenagers in art class, Bob has trouble drawing hands. But he’s Bob Dylan. The man has earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants. That doesn't mean I have to pretend it's gold!

Dylan’s art over the years hasn’t been that bad. His iron sculptures are quite striking, and his watercolors are so-so, if you can look beyond the fact he traces their outlines from photos. But this stuff? Just dreadful. The accompanying prose was just corny enough to be approved by Dylan, if not co-written by him, in the style of his Theme Time Radio monologues and Patreon stories (likely AI aided!) that he has recently been releasing.

I got this book on sale for 15 bucks on Amazon. I’m glad I didn’t pay the full 45 dollars. I would have felt severely ripped off.

[Allisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025
Absolutely incredible. I’m so grateful to have been able to lay eyes on some beautiful and mind spinning pieces of art. My favorite piece is the haunted house, it resonated with me. I love how some of these pieces have a back story written in. All of these sketches were an absolute treasure to see. This is the perfect gift for a Bob Dylan fan. I won’t be including a picture out of respect for Bob and these vulnerable, honest pieces and because these are copy righted. I treasure this book, and I can’t wait to have a piece of his art on my wall one day!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are seemingly deliberately unanswered questions which accompany this book. The drawings are by Dylan, and maybe the titles to the drawings as well. There are three writers credited with the excerpts which accompany the drawings. There is no individual credit to any of the authors. Was this a collaboration of sorts, or were the writers brought in later? And how were they chosen? Would the drawings (quick sketches) stand on their own? Why were some drawings without writing?

[Tyler Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Point Blank” by Bob Dylan showcases the songwriter’s unique approach to object writing and character study by providing his literal and written sketches of various items, locations, and people.

This book provides an insightful glimpse through the eyes of Dylan, perhaps demonstrating how he creates the unique characters and settings that populate his legendary songs.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting sketches by Bob Dylan, some accompanied by short but often a bit twisted vignettes. Kind of a Harris Burdick for adults.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn't get the emotional spontaneity. It's life drawing. It's all spontaneous. Just how good the skill set.

[Marilynn Smith]

Really talented and loose sketching. I enjoyed the drawings and the little “stories” accompanying some of them.

[Curtis K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melancholy

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty neat sketches and stories to follow along with. Makes you think of your sketches, imagination and what is out there to share!! Page tuner, pretty creative and gets you thinking!

[katscoolbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob Dylan who can sing, write, paint and draw

[David Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories. Toward the end. Don’t miss them. And find the text from the Dwight Yoakam album. You won’t be sorry

[Jennifer Huberdeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get a glimpse of Bob Dylan's visual journal in his first art book in a decade, "Point Blank: Quick Studies" which features nearly 100 black-and-white sketches made between 2021 and 2022. The sketches — landscapes, portraits and still lifes — were the basis for an exhibit (of acrylic paintings) of the same name earlier this year in London. The drawings are just what they're called, quick sketches, in graphite or charcoal, rough and raw. Some works are accompanied by comical prose vignettes written by Eddie Gorodetsky, Lucy Sante and Jackie Hamilton (long thought to be a pseudonym for Dylan).

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a life-long fan of Dylan, I thought the sketches were interesting; sort of how we can always learn something new at whatever age. The writing did have a few thought-provoking, memorable characters.