Toby Update

I haven't said a lot about Toby recently.  Let's just say that anyone who speaks of unconditional love from dogs is nuts or else hasn't met Toby.  He tests me a LOT.  Consequently I'm learning about relationships -- especially the kind of thing I avoided in the past like knowing and saying what I want and sticking to it.  Voicing disapproval and approval.  Closeness and affection.  Not easy given my history of no anger, no needs, no wants, no nothing -- not to mention my fear of animals!

But he IS a cutie, that's for sure.  He was at the groomer on Friday.  I'm really going to try this time to maintain his coat with daily brushing.  So far so good -- and he's getting almost used to it.  He's a very social animal.  Loves nothing more than playing -- fighting, chasing, wrestling -- with his friends.  Especially Fido and Tiger.  He's got me to be more social as well.  Now I know many many dogs and their owners though I usually only know the dog's name!

Last portrait class

Our last class was a couple weeks ago but I left my drawings in my locker along with the self-portrait which we looked at in class.  My teacher had some comments in terms of likeness as well as the character of the drawing.  No one else followed his suggestion to try one -- but then no one else was doing the class for credit!  I found the process most rewarding and I'll be trying again and again.  There are some aspects of this self-portrait that I really like.  (I photographed it again since my first try was quite out of focus.)

TSA Open House

I went to the opening party for the TSA Open House last night with my sister.  As always the show was set up beautifully.  The drawings from my portrait class were in the largest room, Studio 2.  There were only 5 who came to the class with any regularity and 4 with work on display.  I showed the portrait on prepared paper and a drawing from the last class.