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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/maniscalcogallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Katie-Wilhoit-Unframed.jpg?resize=1080%2C1432&ssl=1)
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
This is an example of what artists have to contend with all the time. Why do they pick on us? I get these every day, along with Wanting to buy NFT or electronic funds. All are bogus. I have much better things to do with my time thank you. When I say serious inquiries only, I used to be talking about those from real people. If you are real and interested in my art, please inquire. ... See MoreSee Less
While Cate's been away, I've been distracting myself by #painting. Very happy to share this latest #oilpainting, something I've been formulating for some time now. Enjoy #Firefly!
#charleston #charlestonsc #artist #artcollector #artistsoninstagram #artistonfacebook Portrait Artist Robert Maniscalco #artwork maniscalcogallery.com/product/firefly/ ... See MoreSee Less
Excited to share this latest painting, something I've been meaning paint for some time now. Enjoy Firefly! ... See MoreSee Less
Firefly - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
When I saw this beautiful child I knew she was the one I wanted to be this wonder child, who like all of us, wondered at the miracle of fireflies.Here's a pleasant seen, a fond remembrance of my recent trip to Santa fe, NM. We live in a wondrous, beautiful country. ... See MoreSee Less
The Door - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
What is behind the door? It appears to lead to the desert. Or is it a doorway to another dimension? A doorway into the mind?I am very excited to finally be able to share my #portrait of Mayor Joe Riley. Read all about the #unveiling here:
maniscalcogallery.com/portraiture/mayor-joe-riley/
#charleston #charlestonsc #charlestonlife #Mayors #portraitcommission #portraitart #portraitpainting The Citadel #lowcountrylowcountry Heritage #lowcountryliving #portraitsocietyofamerica #artist #artcollector #holycity #mayoral
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