Assumptions about a maniscalco portrait
- The portrait will portray an excellent likeness of the subject (sitter).
- The portrait will convey the personality of the sitter.
- The portrait will express a compelling story about the sitter and celebrate his/her uniqueness.
- The portrait will reflect positively upon the sitter as well as the image of the commissioning institution.
- The portrait will put a personal, compelling human face on the commissioning institution, as it is perceived by the world community at large.
- The portrait will be painted and framed using only archival quality materials.
- The portrait will remain stable for 500 years or longer, if properly cared for by the owner.
- The portrait will continue the lineage of past portraits in the collection of the individual or commissioning institution.
- The portrait will become a living, visual record of the sitter which will outlast his/her lifetime.
- The portrait will be aesthetically appealing as a work of art
- The portrait will contribute to the stature and extend the legacy of the subject.
- The portrait will exhibit a mastery of common visual elements (color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value) and will possess what is considered the accepted standard of excellence for world class portraiture.
- The portrait will exhibit a dramatic light affect which makes the subject appear as if he/she “will walk out of the painting” at any time.
- The portrait will possess a classical sensibility, while utilizing a modern palette.
- The portrait will be recognizable as having the “Maniscalco style.” Look for the dramatic, yet subtle use of light, a perfect balance between expressive looseness and a fine finish in the application of paint (referred to as “expressive realism”), dynamic pose, composition and a deep introspection, sensitivity and presence on the part of the sitter, exquisite color harmonies and compelling color vibration, and an amazing ability to convey in paint the substance and make up of objects, surfaces and atmosphere through expert use of edges, textures and values.
- The portrait will be available for reproductions by the artist and the commissioning institution by mutual permission. Artist retains copyright.
- The portrait will be considered a collaboration, in the sense that the principal parties can expect the artist to make reasonable changes to the work until they are pleased.
- No other artist will be permitted to alter the work of art.
- The portrait will be completed in a reasonable time period in accordance with an agreed time table.
- The portrait will be as close as possible to the size required by the commissioning body and meet with all specifications agreed to at the initial concept planning stage.
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A competent portrait of the former president.  ... See MoreSee Less
At a portrait unveiling at Syracuse University on April 14, 2026, Joe Biden jokingly called Board Chair Jeffrey Scruggs to the stage, asking the crowd, “Doesn’t he look like Barack?” Biden quipped that he often mistook Scruggs for Obama. While the audience laughed, some found the moment awkward. The event celebrated Biden’s legacy at his law school alma mater
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Behind the Scene 11x 14″ original #oilpainting on linen, framed by the artist. A behind the scenes look at the glorious #sunflower, the great back actor. This is a continuation of my micro series where we take a closer look at #Common objects found in #Nature. this is an homage to the iconic Van Gogh #painting with the similar perspective of the underneath of a Sunflower. ... See MoreSee Less
Unintended Consequences 96″ x 30″ oil on panel
The Three Perspectives:
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EAGLE: Look at me. I know what I am doing. My glorious mission gives me certain rights. Certain allowances. My voice is louder than yours. But that’s not what makes me right. Yes, I am intentional. I know what I want. And I speak for millions. While you speak for no one. | But the thing that makes me right, is that I speak for God, because I know he is with me because I feel his presence and His righteousness in my blood. That’s what makes me right. | Look at me. I’m perfect. Determined. My team will always win. Why? Because God is on our side. And if my team doesn’t win the battle, we will win the war. | And if we don’t win the war it will be because we failed to listen to God OR the devil corrupted our intentions. Therefore we must destroy evil, wherever it appears. We will find it together and we will flush it out. | Trust that I am in control and that God is with me. If you fail to obey me, as God’s chosen vessel, you will surely parish. You cannot hide from my eye. You cannot resist my charisma. Fear me if you must. Love me if you’re willing. But obey me, for I am your only hope.
DOG: Look at me. Do you think I need help? You think I’m weak. But I’m not. Sometimes I feel so big and strong, even though I know I’m not very strong or smart. But one thing I do know, is that he is strong. My leash tender. I trust the strength of those who know. His certainty is my comfort. My leash tells me I am in good hands. My collar is my Shepard; I shall not want.
GIRL: Look at me. I am flying. I’m flying high above the fray. God is with me. Nature is with me. We are one. God will protect me because I trust Him. I know God is IN the Eagle and the dog. And I know I am part of a larger story. The journey I am on is longer than my life or the dog’s life, or the Eagle’s life. It began long before I was born and it will never end. I am safe in the knowledge that I will never die. So nothing can harm me. I am at peace. ... See MoreSee Less
"My Backyard" are part of "Identity and Self" #exhibition at @parkcirclegallery through April 25. Lemme know if and when you'd like to meet me there for a #privatetour, Wednesday-Saturday. #artist #charlestonartist ... See MoreSee Less
In Charleston, the name Gedney Howe is legendary three times over.
My #oilportrait of Gedney @lawofficesofgedneyhowe Howe III in his office. I am so fortunate and honored to have been able to share some beautiful moments with such exceptional individuals and those who love them. Gedney Howe III is one such individual, a man who gave so much to this community, as Charleston’s preeminent attorney. I had the privilege of speaking with him briefly before he unexpectedly passed last year. We had planned the portrait to happen while he was still with us. Though in mourning, Gedney IV helped me capture the vision he had for his father’s portrait.
Gedney III and I had one very special person in common, the late Buzz Harper (the portrait above, the iconic gentleman in the white suit and red tie), our dear friend and the designer of the interior of this office, as well as the Calhoun Mansion, which when it changed hands, sadly lost the distinctive Harper touch. The chair in the portrait, once owned by President Howard Taft, a beautiful marble and lovely portrait grace the dark wood law bookshelves. Formidable, but reassuringly warm. Gedney stands confidently, but again, with a touch of warmth. He cared about the #law but he also cared for the people he served so well throughout his storied career.
The portrait will be on display at my exhibition, "Identity and Self" at the Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston, opening today, Friday April 3, 5-7 pm. The exhibition runs through April 25. ... See MoreSee Less