Art Instruction Blog
Which Came First, the Art or the Artist?
A friend posted, "you don't have to be an artist to create art." Yes, I suppose if you created art that would qualify you as an artist. But only an artist can create art. Most people simply aren't willing to risk looking foolish in the attempt and will never rise to...
Creativity and the Definition of Art
"Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." I've been saying this for many years as a teacher. The idea that giving ourselves total freedom to do anything at all and calling it art, may sound absurd, but it is a great first...
Madness and Art
In his turn, in a letter to a friend, composer Zelter from Berlin, Goethe let him know of his meeting with Beethoven: "I met Beethoven. His talent astonished me; nevertheless, he unfortunately has a tumultuous personality, which is not completely wrong in thinking...
Orphan Relief Gala Performance Painting
Orphan Relief Gala and beautiful people I performed this sketch of Mary Playing the Violin at the Lowcountry Orphan Relief Gala, last evening, where it was auctioned off to raise money for first responders in cases of child abuse here in Charleston. I was given the...
Why Do It?
Why Do It? This is the most important question we can ask. "I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must out; that is the reason why I compose." Ludwig van Beethoven As I prepare for my upcoming role as Beethoven in 33...
Creativity and Insanity – Artbeat Tribute to Gail mally-mack
Today I present a tribute to Gail mally-mack, whom we featured on Artbeat back in 2003. Her passing is a loss to the art world and the Detroit art community will miss her dearly. Although the conversation didn't really go there in my visit in her studio, it struck...
Be a Con Artist
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." Pablo Picasso Here's the ugly truth about being an artist. Actually, its not really so ugly, once you get over the initial shock. It's your job to convince me, the art lover/collector, that you know...
The Philosophy Behind the Power of Positive Painting
The Power of Positive Painting (P3) The Philosophy Behind the P3 Method As the title suggests, my philosophy of teaching, as well as my approach to painting itself, is positive. I encourage my students to take positive action, always moving forward in their process. ...
When is Faster Better?
Here's today's first quick sketch, redeemed by the owner of GoCharlestonDeals.com. There are about three days left to get your sketches in, at half price. Check out that G0CharlestonDeals link above for more info about the deal. I find the element of time to be...
Perfectionism – The Perils of Making Rough Places Plane
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth. Luke 3:5 One might argue the spiritual arch is one of finding the middle. Over the millennia nature has a...




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Okay, prepare yourself for the release of the second collaboration between Nick C. Cerrato and myself, "The Great Dilemma." You gotta look deeply into this one to appreciate the details and expression. We are very excited to share this latest work with you. Click the link to take a closer look at what is going on in this bot relief. Whatcha think? ...
Well, here is the mysterious, highly sensitive project I was talking about: my oil portrait of Susie Jackson, one of the Emanuel Nine who parishes in that terrible shooting at Mother Emanuel in 2015. I happened to have taken a photo of her in 2010. Here she is in her Sunday best. I have reached out to Susie Jackson's survivors, who seem to be very supportive of my memorial portrait. What do you think? ...
Say her name: Miss Susie Jackson ...
Susie Jackson - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
Susie Jackson 20 x 20" oil on panel This portrait of Susie Jackson came about as I was recently browsing my photographic archives, looking for a something to paint for the MOJA Exhbition, coming up at......
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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.Expanding and trying new things helps everyone grow. ...
The Great Dilemma - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
The Great Dilemma 28 x 30" mixed media This is Nick and Robert's second collaboration. See Birthday, which was their first collaboration. With only the scantest idea of a plan, a simple sketch, The Gr...Available for commissions. Take a number. ...
This content isn't available right now
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.