Art Instruction Blog
Hired Gun
Many know me mostly for my commission portraits. Does that make me a hired gun? Before I dig into that, here's a gentle reminder that I am free to paint whatever strikes my fancy, including commission portraits! Nonetheless, I invite you to take a short journey of my...
Selling ART in ALT Spaces
I'm not a big fan of showing art in alternative spaces, such as restaurants or bars. The main reason is that there rarely is a staff focused/trained on/in selling art. It is usually an after thought. They are there to sell food and/or drinks. But sometimes, rarely, it...
Time Space and VJD
Young Angel tries to reach across time to reassure her older self that she is whole and complete. If visual art is a response to space and music a response to time, then theatre and film are a response to time and space. My goal with #VincentJohnDoe was to respond to...
VJD Production Paintings
Wrapping up our 2019 PS production of #VincentJohnDoe. Thanks to Brooke Mogy Watkins, Brad Tarr, Susie Hallatt, Cate Maniscalco, Lorilyn K Harper, Fred Hutter, Kevin Cooper Ray, Anthony Parenti, David Hallett, Mary Maniscalco James Maniscalco, Danny Maniscalco,...
Speed Painting
I must be a crazy artist. I enjoy painting on a time crunch. And I enjoy painting for an audience. Somehow it triggers the actor in me. And by actor, I mean one who takes action. I love the spontaneity of being in action. It challenges me to make important decisions...
Live Video Streaming
I'm very excited to have produced my first live video streaming experience to hundreds of senior centers and learning centers across the country, through The Live Living Network. The first session was focused on releasing creativity. How to turn off the critic and...
Student Work Inspires Me
As I wrap up another semester at Charleston Southern University, I am so impressed with what I have learned about the process from my students. I often say, if you want to learn how to sell, try teaching art to college students as an elective. But I think once they...
Marketing: Money vs People
I love being an artist. I've always considered it a privilege. In recent years, however, it has also become a luxury. In fact it has become a vanity. It used to be that vanity galleries, founded by the super rich as tax shelters, were all the rage. Now, the...
Classwork tribute to Gilda
Getting out of Our Head One of our first painting projects in my Charleston Southern University painting class was this tribute to Gilda Snowden's chair series. You can see Gilda's entire Artbeat episode, along with the entire first season, on Amazon Prime. More info...
Drawing and Painting for Everyone
At the end of a very fun four week drawing and painting class in my North Charleston studio I am so impressed with these first efforts in portraiture. I keep training my competition, sharing the best kept secrets. Why? Because I believe the joy of artistic expression...
Would you like to get inspiration in your inbox, rather than ads for more stuff? Welcome to ManiscalcoGallery.com
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
Nothing Celebrates the legacy of your children or your grandchildren for their grandchildren, like an oil portrait.
... See MoreSee Less
Two paintings. One a commission portrait of Gedney Howe III. Another an exploration of "Unintended Consequences." Both part of "Identity and Self," an exhibition at Park Circle Gallery, open wed-Sat. Until April 25th! Disappointed my brand of realism is not in vogue at the moment. But I'm aware fashions come and go. I know my art will endure. What do you think? ... See MoreSee Less
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
www.instagram.com
... See MoreSee Less
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.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:
@
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