by toby | Sep 21, 2016 | The Writing Life
Seven characteristics of successful writers cannot be taught—but they can be learned and developed until they become the habits that are the bedrock of a successful artist practice in any field. The successful writer is a keen observer of everything around him....
by toby | Jun 14, 2015 | Life
The Norse goddess seems to glow in the light admitted from the high, sunshine-filled windows in this, the last of my lessons from life drawing. It would be hard to find depth on her perfectly-done marshmallow goldenness if it weren’t for the light source slightly...
by toby | May 15, 2015 | Life
I returned to lessons from life drawing #5 this week after taking off (with my sister) for a persistent sore throat that threatened contagion, and frankly, I needed a break. Instead of class last week, I spent the day at my computer, happily concocting my first spy...
by toby | Apr 24, 2015 | Life
More lessons from life drawing! I began dreading class two days before it was scheduled. In spare moments, I'd think of excuses: “I could be sick. I do feel kind of headachey. I could plead a dentist appointment, maybe even try to get one, because that tooth really...
by toby | Apr 7, 2014 | Life
I have a theory that different kinds of uses of the brain stimulate it, and that helps overall creativity and problem-solving. I’ve been putting that theory to the test this year by working on my painting alongside my writing. Until today, it’s been nothing but a...