Robert Ficano
Executive of Wayne County, MI

This portrait of Mr. Ficano was created to hang outside the Executive chambers in the Historic Wayne County Building for all to enjoy. It will hang along side those of his predecessors, both of whom Robert's father painted. This complex composition was designed to lead the eye left to right weaving a path throughout the painting. Robert used available light to add to the drama and power. Mr. Ficano struck him as an unpretentious individual; this simple gesture conveys a quiet power that has earned him the respect and affection among state and local leaders.

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The Detroit Free Press
Political speaking
Ficano to hang, get framed, too
May 30, 2007

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano's portrait will soon join those of his predecessors, Ed McNamara and Bill Lucas, at the Wayne County Building.

Fittingly, Rob Maniscalco -- whose father, Joseph Maniscalco, painted the Lucas and McNamara portraits -- painted Ficano.

The painting isn't too heavy on symbolism, but it does include a globe, which Maniscalco said he included to represent the global thinking of Ficano, who has been aggressive about courting business from China.

"I was trying to get a dignified, yet relaxed, warm, inviting look in the pose and in the expression," said Maniscalco, who owns a house in Grosse Pointe, but paints out of his studio in Summerville, S.C.

Maniscalco said he spent a couple of hours with Ficano, taking photos, sketching him and doing a head study to get a sense of color and attitude. The portrait was paid for through private donations.

Caption with the painting: This portrait of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano by artist Rob Maniscalco will soon hang in the Wayne County Building.

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