Portrait Artist Statement
BEING A PORTRAIT ARTIST
My goal as a portrait painter is first that of an artist. I am committed to creating paintings that will stand the test of time as compelling works of art, alive with the personality of both artist and subject. They have intrinsic value as works of art.
I think of my work as a celebration and affirmation of life.
Each portrait is an adventure, exploring the unique character and personal strengths of my sitters. A love of people and a deep interest in the human experience is key to my work. It’s not about how you look, it’s about who you are. My training as a painter, actor and musician have all increased my interest in capturing this quintessential dynamic with authority, authenticity and compassion.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the transubstantiation of image-to-feeling inherent in a great oil-on-canvas portrait. Nothing else has the power to capture the personality and character of the subject for the ages. Being a portrait artist is about exploring the lyricism of character and dynamics of personality within the painted surface. More than a photograph made to look like a painting, my portraits are the real thing. They are brimming with life. I can’t tell you how many times people have told me it feels as though my subjects could walk right out of the painted surface.
My larger goal as an artist is to explore the full range of my medium, which is light. I have developed several bodies of work exploring a variety of structures and subjects, but the poetry of light on form keeps coming back into my work. Light is the force that reveals the subtleties of nature, particularly the human condition. My work is all about what it is to be human and expresses our journey toward the light. Another theme which runs through all my work is something I call surTHRIVal. We are all on a journey of survival, to make the best of what we are given. My larger purpose as an artist is to find and celebrate the many creative ways humans find to overcome and grow as a result of this journey.
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
Here's a portrait from life. my student's sister was kind enough to pose. I'm calling this one, "Juvenescence." It's 9x12. PM for more info. Portrait Artist Robert Maniscalco. ... See MoreSee Less
Here's one of the many products I offer to make my work available to everyone. This is fun and makes a wonderful keepsake. Here's a recent "Mugs on Mugs."
maniscalcogallery.com/product/mugs-on-mugs/ ... See MoreSee Less
Here's a little painting I hope you enjoy.
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Three Dog Night is a recent project, commissioned as a gift to the "owner." maniscalcogallery.com/portraiture/three-dog-night/
#petportrait #petportraitartist #pets #petlovers #oilpainting #dogportrait #portraitsociety #portraitartist #charlestonartist #artistsofinstagram ... See MoreSee Less
Three Dog Night - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
Notice the eye entering from the top dog and moving down around, through the middle dog to the bottom dog, who is the focal point.Today’s the day! Tomorrow was yesterday. ... See MoreSee Less