Robert blogs on art, creativity, politics, CSA, religion and culture. Many overlap into multiple categories, like motivational or random favorites. Robert is a life-long artist, writer, musician & actor, a professional creative his entire adult life. Born in 1959 in Detroit, he has lived in New York, New Orleans and currently in Charleston. His commission portraits and fine art are part of over a thousand collections throughout North America. Read his bio.
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The Long Lost Portrait
I Ran into an Old Friend At a recent art opening, I ran into Nancy Delewski, the sitter of my old band mate Marie. When I was at Wayne State, in the music department, I was putting myself through music school painting portraits in exchange for accompaniment, or for a...
Fame and Fortune
My PR person (me) should win an award. I have had more than my share of media coverage over my 45-year career. It's not just an ego boost. It is necessary for my career to get my name out there, to remain relevant, even though I am actually a shy person (believe it or...
A Brief History of American Racism
This cute little HS project I worked on with Mary a few years ago got me thinking about the foundational conflict of America, which ended tyranny by creating a viable democracy. But underneath this bright beginning brewed a dark underbelly of racism, xenophobia and...
The Epstein Affair
You want to know who IS still alive today? Epstein's victims. You say you want to really know the truth, find out what REALLY happened? Ask the survivors. Listen to them and actually believe them. Is that idea really so hard to swallow? The truth is not dead. But you...
Sociopathy
Sadly, it has become clear that sociopathy is far more common than we ever could imagine. I have found that people of low integrity feel very uncomfortable around those who try to practice compassion, fairness and morality, and who demand the same from their elected...
A Commission as Collaboration
We're Jamin' Once in a while a client allows me to do whatever I want. Of course, what I want is to please my client. I have found the best and only way to please the client is to please myself. But pleasing anyone, including myself, is a funny thing. The truth is...
Patterns of Force
Cherry Picking Fascism "Patterns of Force" is a classic STOS episode that feels very current. The premise is John Gill, a historian from the 23rd Century, decides to cherry pick the aspects of fascism that "worked well" for society and incorporate them into a utopian...
Expressive Realism
"Looks like a photograph" Many people tell me paintings look like a photograph. While I know this is meant as a compliment, I would like to make the case that my work as painter is far deeper than a mere photograph, with apologies to fine art photographers everywhere....
The Real Deal
What Should you Expect from a Legacy Portrait? Basically, you are looking for an excellent likeness that will capture and express the world of the sitter, both inside and out. You really want an excellent portrait of yourself, your family or the founder of your...
Father’s Day
Losing one's father is a sad moment in anyone's life, no doubt. But it is also a necessary and meaningful milestone. Even as we honor and acknowledge how much our fathers have done for us to make us the individuals we have become, we need to put in perspective the...
We Know What’s Coming
We've all studied enough history to know what's coming next. But still, many of us are choosing to bury our head in the sand. Some of us are not. But we all still own it, even us "never trumpers." We've allowed this to happen. If we voted, marched, wrote, posted,...
Portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter
Called to Greatness out of Necessity I'm very excited to finally be able to share my portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter, created for ECCO of Mount Pleasant. A native of Charleston, James Carter grew up on Broad Street and was ordained as a priest in 1966. He...
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Very excited to get out there with my work next week. I hope you can join Chris, me and over 60 top artists of the southeast. ... See MoreSee Less
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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.This wonderful couple of world travelers celebrating their anniversary with a #custom #oilpainting of their trip to #giza. ... See MoreSee Less
A portrait of Natalie painted from life today at Wes Israel's studio. Nice people, wonderful artists. ... See MoreSee Less
Nothing Celebrates the legacy of your children or your grandchildren for their grandchildren, like an oil portrait.
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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