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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Vincent John Doe Piccolo Spoletto Wrap-up
We did it! Three amazing world premiere performances of Vincent John Doe at City Gallery, part of Piccolo Spoletto 2018, are now behind us. It was surreal for this playwright/actor, after all that work, over so many years, to receive standing O's, applause after each...
Rudderless Leadership
The right talks a lot about realists, that the POTUS is a decisive, bold, practical leader because he stands up to our allies and reaches out with respect to despots. But so far at least, he has conceded much and gained little in return. They think this behavior...
Capsule review: ‘Vincent John Doe’ opens speculative window on insanity, art and identity
What would happen if Vincent Van Gogh showed up in New York City today? That’s the pretext for the play “Vincent John Doe,” which just completed a three-day Piccolo Spoleto Festival run at the City Gallery. Charleston painter and actor Robert Maniscalco plays Van Gogh...
Dr. Timothy West Portrait
Dr. Timothy E West, MD is an early pioneer in the field of Infectious Disease here in Charleston, SC. His portrait will hang at Roper Hospital and was presented to him on May 5, 2018 as a surprise by his wife and Lowcountry Infectious Disease, his practice over many...
Aggressive Art Marketing
I love being an artist. It is 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 the rare. Nowadays, vanity galleries and coops seem...
Jerry Zucker Portrait
36″ x 48″ Governor & CEO Hudson’s Bay Company SC Icon The portrait features Mr. Zucker in dynamic repose, expressing his energy and vitality. The light streams in from a window behind. In the bookcases to his right are binders, containing his over 300...
Trump is Smart
Much has been said about DJT’s intelligence, or lack thereof. I think we can concede he is a very smart man, as he so often feels compelled to remind us. But as some people are smart with numbers or in their musical ability, Trump is smart in his own unique way. DJT...
The Art of Empathy
My goal when I approach a portrait, either commissioned or non-commissioned, is to exercise empathy. My job is to relate to my subject, to feel what they feel, as I am expressing it in paint. The way I practice empathy in a realistic rendering is to be honest, without...
The Choice of Faith
We talk about having faith in ourselves, as in, "I have faith in myself." But what is that? What is this thing we call our self? We think of it as something encased inside our body. Many of us believe it actually is our body. We refer to this thing as "me." But our...
Alton Davis Portrait at Michigan Supreme Court
Excited to present this #oilportrait to Justice and Ms Alton Davis for the #MichiganSupremeCourt. The official presentation of the #portrait before the full court will be sometime next year, TBA. I wanted to capture some of the brilliance of the man using a more...
Spiritual Warfare
Today, on the way to the WCBD News 2 for an interview (below) to plug the closing night conversation around my exhibit, "The Quench Project and the Mire of Desire," my son asked me if I'd rather be famous or have a lot of money. My answer surprised me....
Capturing a Killer – Westof Magazine
Cover Story in Westof Magazine on August 2, 2017. more information about the event. more information about the Exhibit more information about The Quench Project see Courtroom sketches from the Dylann Roof Trial. ...
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Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
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
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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