You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others. 1 Timothy 2:2

OKAY, kid, let's see what you've got." Richard seized my black cardboard portfolio and tossed it onto the paint-splattered table. He shot a dubious glance toward me, then opened the portfolio and began to leaf through pages from my freshman figure-drawing course. Except for an occasional grunt, Richard didn't utter a word.

It was my first college internship as an art major. I believed Richard was skeptical of the whole endeavor, but because of his friendship with my dad, he had agreed to take me on. For the month of January I'd be living in a room off the garage behind his house in Los Angeles and driving with him to the studio, where I'd spend twelve hours a day priming canvases for his paintings and helping him create large cast-paper pieces. I respected his art and wanted him to see potential in me. ...