continued . . .

I had to allow my perfect fantasy to die, so that real life dreams could take hold. My dream girl gave me hope and meaning throughout my long, lonely healing process. But I had to let this ideal go. When I was finally able to accept that I could never earn this perfect love, when I could let go of the fantasy of my dream girl and realized that I was enough, that was the moment Cate walked into my life. It was love at first sight, a miracle. She has been my mate for fourteen years now, and counting, sent from Heaven above. From the beginning, everything was easy with her, no fussing around. negotiating, no "active listening." It was as if we were made for each other, best friend and lover, wrapped into one beautiful human being. There was nothing to prove or to earn. She has given my life meaning again. But remember, it was not she who redeemed me. I had to redeem myself before I could be ready for her. That was hard work. We each of had done so much work in previous relationships, banging our heads against the walls of our self-made purgatories, until we each accepted that we could not do it alone. We needed a higher power to take the wheel. We needed a companion, not a savior. I thank God for guiding me, eventually, to her. Even when I didn't believe love was possible for me, God believed in it for me. And I kept going, even when the night was dark and I had given up. Cate and I were driven, always to hope. We are living proof that hope is a force far greater than any neurotic's fantasy.

Emerald Siren

Emerald Siren is another exploration of the idea of perfect muse. Innocence lost is a common theme in my work.

More romantic paintings . . .

The Choice

Alexandra with Horse

Perhaps Love

More gallery paintings by Robert Maniscalco.

Have you considerd having Robert paint your portrait or the portrait of someone you love?