Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by Amanda Beth, managing director of the Maniscalco Gallery

As I speak with those who have expressed an interest in having their portrait painted by Robert I hear a lot of the same questions. So I would like to take this opportunity to address a few frequently asked questions:

1.How long does it take Robert to do a portrait?
2.I really want a portrait. Why does it cost so much money?
3.What's with Robert's 500 year warranty?
4.When is the best time to do a portrait?
5.Will people view my portrait as an Ego Trip?
6.How do I go about getting a portrait?

How long does it take Robert to do a portrait?

The actual painting takes anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on size. But that's not the whole story. Robert puts a lifetime of experience in each painting. Robert works in a alla prima technique which helps to give his work a spontaneous, bravado look. Robert prefers to get to know his sitters before he commences work. It is very important that the concept of the painting be developed with the sitter and his/her loved ones. Robert enjoys brainstorming with the sitter in their choice of setting, clothing, hair style, background, personal objects and other conceptual aspects of the finished work. At this session he gives his sitters a crash course in modeling and helps them feel very relaxed and present.

An excellent portrait tells the story of the sitter by the way they stand, the angle of their gaze, body rhythm, setting, lighting, expression. All these factors help to reveal the subtle information making up the unique personality of the sitter

To accomplish all this Robert travels to the sitter's home in order to get a feel for his/her own environment. At this session he takes a number of photos. He then goes back to his studio to come up with numerous compositional and color sketches before arriving at the final concept. Then he combines elements from his photographic and compositional studies with the intuitive impressions he has of the sitter. The painting is nearly complete when he returns with it to the sitter where he applies the finishing touches from life. Most portrait artists just ship the finished painting without the opportunity to benefit from the sitter's insight.

Although Robert has an extensive waiting list he occasionally accepts requests to have the work finished for a particular occasion if adequate time is allowed to complete the painting according to his high standards of excellence.

Back to Top

I really want a portrait. Why does it cost so much money?

My first impulse would be to ask, wouldn't you agree that it's difficult to pay TOO MUCH for something you really want? But seriously, to put the cost of a portrait in perspective I am reprinting the following excerpt from an article in Forbes Magazine, November 6, 1995, entitled "Face Value":

"...The best-known artists, with famous clientele, are now asking from $25,000 to as much as $300,000 to do a portrait. Of course, they are often willing to bargain...The more notable the artist's clients, the higher the fee. Figure a minimum of $15,000 for a quality oil..."

Robert has insisted on keeping his fees between $5,500 and $10,000 because part of his mission as an artist is to see that anybody who truly wants a portrait will be able to have one (if, on the other hand, you want to spend more money I'd highly recommend you contact Robert's father!).

Robert now accepts Visa/MasterCard. Many people don't realize that in many cases a portrait is a tax deductible expense. Let us help you with other creative ways you may be able to have the portrait of your dreams. Remember, you're going to be concerned about price only once, but the satisfaction of having a portrait will last the rest of your life -- and your children's life after that (as you know, Robert's portraits come with a 500 year warrenty)!

Back to Top

Yeah, what's with Robert's 500 year warranty?

Robert made the decision when he began doing portraits that it would be better to explain his price one time instead of apologizing for the quality forever. So he trained and honed his skills, apprenticing with his father. He uses the best Belgian linen, the finest paints, varnishes and materials and puts in the time necessary to create a great work of art.

Back to Top

When is the best time to do a portrait?

In rare cases it is better to wait to begin a portrait. For instance Robert likes to wait until a child is at least three years old -- when their character really begins to surface. But when he had two children he noticed babies make for great works of art! Too many times in his career Robert has seen people who didn't recognize how fleeting the present can be and regretted not having their portrait done when they first thought about it. In the words of my grandmother, "you don't regret the things you did in life, but the things you didn't do." I would say this is profoundly true of a portrait. In the time I've been married to Robert, I've seen people delay the portrait past the time they wanted to capture forever, the kids entered puberty or people lost that youthful glow. In two sad cases, people themselves passed away, never having fulfilled their desire to be captured in that special way. As the saying goes, "time waits for no man." The FACT is we will never look as good as we do right now. With regard to money, I just have to share this poem I once read:

The bride white of hair is stooped over her cane
her footsteps uncertain, need guidance
While down the aisle with a wan, toothless smile
the bridegroom in wheel chair comes riding.
Now who is this elderly couple thus wed?
Well you'll find when you've closely explored it
that this is the rare, most conservative pair
who waited till they could afford it

Back to Top

Will people view my portrait as an ego trip?

Yep! A portrait is a dead give away that this person has a healthy ego. And isn't a healthy ego a wonderful thing to have these days? Our society has finally discovered the importance of building strong self-esteem. A portrait says, "I'm proud of my (or my __________'s) accomplishments. A portrait is really a gift to those who love you; for them it will become a very special work of art to be treasured long after you're gone. Over the years Robert's sitters have expressed deep satisfaction at having been the subject for a work of art. A portrait is
literally a celebration of a person's entire life!

Back to Top

Okay, Okay! How do I go about getting the portrait of my dreams?

Click here for information about the commission process.

Robert Maniscalso's main portrait page