I just started reading Gaudi: a biography by Gijs Van Hensbergen and the opening quote is from George Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world … Continue reading 10 Unreasonable Artists — in the best way
These days, media alerts and anger overwhelm our lives. We’re all swimming in the constant noise of distrust, disunity and distaste. All sides seem to be constantly trying to “out ugly” the others. But I recently experienced a wave of beauty that seemed to wash it all … Continue reading Why Everyone Should See the Della Robbia Exhibit at the National Gallery
In honor of Michelangelo’s birthday today — March 6th (he would be 542), I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between our world and his… but I’ve also been thinking about the strange, striking similarities between our two eras. It’s … Continue reading 10 Ways Our World is Like the Renaissance
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I hear it all the time: To be happy, you must seek balance. “The only way to be a successful human being is to NOT be so obsessed with your work. Be obsessed with balance, instead! Balance between work and family, … Continue reading To Succeed as an Artist, Seek an Unbalanced Life: Lessons from Gaudi
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It’s so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas. — Paul Cezanne I’ve never had writer’s block, but ever since my debut novel Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo has come out (and … Continue reading 10 Artists Plagued by Self-Doubt: Lessons from the National Gallery of Art
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I’m an art-historical novelist, so obviously I care about art. But why should you — with your busy days, stressful job, growing kids, dinners to make, dishes to wash, and plenty of binge-able TV to keep you entertained — care? Because … Continue reading Why You Should Care About Art
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I hear it all the time from high school and college students (and their parents): to succeed, you must major in science, technology, engineering, or business. Any other degree is waste of time. A frivolous hobby. And an art history … Continue reading To Succeed in Business, Major in Art History
I had a different post planned for this week, but how can I write about anything after Orlando? There are no words. And yet too many. Confusion and anger. But I don’t want to throw hateful words back at hateful acts. I agree … Continue reading For Orlando: The Art of Love Over Hate
While on national book tour for my debut novel, Oil and Marble, my husband and I are searching for a new spot to settle down. When this is all over, we may return to Los Angeles, we may not. While every … Continue reading Why Artists Should Move to Durham, NC
I’m an art-historical novelist, so I know the feeling; I’ve been here before. The first time I saw Michelangelo’s David, of course. While dancing with Degas. On Night Watch with Rembrandt. With Georgia in Santa Fe. Every time I encounter Vincent, … Continue reading On Falling In Love (at Columbus and Cleveland Art Museums)
