Monroe KatzMonroe Katz is a rare blend of talents: a dentist by profession, and an award-winning author, painter and sculptor. His difficult emergence as an artist has been a primary subject of his writing. His debut novel, Sparring with Rembrandt, chronicled hs struggles growing up in Brooklyn, caught between his love of art and the difficult post-war demands of earning a living. A chapter was awarded a coveted first prize in the Napa Valley's Jessamyn West writing contest. Dr. Katz's next book was a sophisticated "how to" guide for aspiring painters and sculptors, based on his own personal journey as an artist. Dare To Create, The Joys and Tortures of Learning to Paint was hailed by the Eric Hoffer Awards as one of the best art books of 2018. His poetry and art work have won awards as well. His Rembrandt-like portrait of a young woman named Daphne was named "Best of Show" in the annual Napa Exposition. With his new book, Light and Shadow, An Artist's Awakening, Dr. Katz plunges his sensitive hero, Norman, into the decisive phase of his artistic journey: a rigorous, and often painful apprenticeship under the wing of a bullying, troubled, but brilliant mentor named Kelly. Despite his brutal ways, Kelly brings Norman exactly what he needs: a creative liberation. Now retired from dentistry, Dr. Katz continues his creative life with his wife Joan and their extended families close by. Read More Read Less