This paper presents Paul and its sketches. Although the algorithms
driving Paul are relatively simple and not particularly
novel, the way they are combined is of interest as the sketches Paul produces are considered by professionnal as
being of artistic value, which is unusual for computer generated
figurative drawings. We have presented a comprehensive
range of factors that may explain why Paul’s sketches
are perceived as being of interest to a specialised audience,
and the public at large. Although no further major developments
are planned for Paul, a number of public exhibitions
are scheduled for the coming two years. The next important
milestone will be the implementation of another embodied
system, currently under study. This new robot will take into
consideration and be influenced by visual feedback at all the
stages of the drawing process. This new system will also be
influenced by levels of knowledge of the human face, e.g.
proportions. We expect the drawing style of the new system
to be significantly different from Paul’s current style.