The free verse poems do seem to do what the title of the book suggests – draw a portrait of the various artists, authors, poets, dancers and so on without using paint. I would have enjoyed it more if I knew who more of the artists were. I also wish there had been a bit more historical notes – considering how many of those dealt with in the book were killed on Night of the Murdered Poets maybe explaining that event say.
However, in part because of the lack notes, I do find myself wanting to read more in depth about the historical events as well as the writers and other artists in general.