Robert Maniscalco Wins 2014 Artfields Portrait Competition
For more information please email Robert or by phone at 843-486-3161
Robert Maniscalco won the 2014 ARTFIELDS portrait competition on May 3, 2014, selected from a field of 23 very talented and creative artists, and winning the $1,000 Award. Robert says, “It was a fantastic surprise that I was selected from such a talented bunch of creatives, but I went in knowing whatever the outcome, it was an awesome opportunity to turn people on to the art of the portrait. We all felt a like rock stars, with people marveling at every little stroke, like they were watching their favorite sports team. Personally, I think watching people create something brand new, right before my eyes, is far more exciting than watching people throw a ball around.”
The subject of this final round was a legendary, 92 year old Lake City Tobacco farmer, named Paul Poston. Robert said, “I painted Mr. Poston with a tobacco barn behind him, which was his cash crop. We had exactly one hour to bring the magic.” Only a few of the competitors dared use oil, but Robert is also a quick sketch master and a third generation Frank Reilly disciple, who was all about the alla prima process. Working quickly is a key structure element in his work. The idea is to capture the scene before you with as much immediacy as possible. Each of the three rounds lasted exactly one hour. “I hope I captured his dignity and resiliency, which is my mission with everyone I paint. SurTHRIVal takes many forms and there are billions of stories of lives well lived, through tremendous adversity. When I see that in another, I just want to share the victory. I hope I did that with this painting. I just stuck to my game plan of going for a fresh, spontaneous alla prima experience, piling on the paint and with a my time tested method. “
