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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Hate, Love and Anger
"Anyone . . . who thinks I am filled with hatred has no idea what real hatred is" Dylann Roof In a mild, matter of fact voice and demeanor, Dylann Roof talked about hate in his final remarks at his sentencing. Of course, he demonstrated what hatred is in his actions...
A Little Bird Told Me
I think God gave us Bernie (see video below), an imperfect vessel, so we might have a glimpse of what humans might achieve through our own best efforts. This old, kindhearted Jew never really had a chance, but for a brief moment, it seemed perhaps human decency might...
Drawing Through Tears
Tragically, most people are more interested in what Roof is going to say or do. "how is he reacting?" But the real stories are those of the survivors. So today, my focus is really on the amazing people, over 8 witnesses thus far, who are survivors, family and friends,...
Prayer of Redemption
Today was a juxtaposition of shocking evidence that Roof had written another manifesto in prison, drawing Nazi symbols on his shoes, shoes he was wearing in court as recently as this week. This was interspersed between more beautiful and moving testimony about the...
What is Racism and Why Our Society Just Doesn’t Get It
We need to talk about what it means to be a racist. After my stint as courtroom sketch artist on the Dylann Roof trial and the recent election, it seems the definition of racism has evolved. When people's feelings get hurt because someone is suggesting what they are...
Guilty as Charged
The guilt phase of the Dylann Roof trial concluded as well as one might hope to expect: guilty on all 33 counts. As I listened to and drew his video confession and then heard his journal read from beginning to end, I began to understood a few things more clearly. Roof...
CSU Progress Report
I must admit I was a little nervous going in, but my adjunct professorship at Charleston Southern University has been a true pleasure for me. Not only are the Drawing 1 & 2 students eager learners but they are some of the most gentle, fun-loving students I've...
Quick Sketch and Mobile Painting Parties
I did my first Mobile Painting Party, where I packed up all the materials and traveled to a client location where they could painting and party in comfort. It worked out so well, I am now making that option available to others. My painting party experiences are fun,...
Dylann Roof Courtroom Sketches
I spent this past Monday sketching at the Dylann Roof jury selection hearing at the federal court, in Charleston, SC. I will likely be producing more sketches during the upcoming trial as well. It should be noted from the start how cool that in the age of digital...
The Rigged System
We talk a lot about the system being rigged and we propose this candidate or that one to "fix" it. But in reality, the fix is beyond any one individual's control. I know of many in business, particularly in the arts business, who have been relegated to the outside of...
The RM Theory
When I was a young turk at Andover High School, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, back in 1978, I was part of a band of brothers and sisters who happened to play music in the top rated HS orchestra and choir in the state. We were the nerds, the egg-heads, the sensitive...
My Higher Self
Today I am grateful for the gift of recognition. I have worked hard over my 38 year career and been richly rewarded in what may seem to the outside world a very storied career. While the stories have not always been pretty or pleasant, I am no less grateful to those...
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
Old Guy - Maniscalco Gallery ... See MoreSee Less
Old Guy - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
This old guy modeled for a workshop twenty years ago and I always wanted to paint him. So here he is. I enjoyed creating the sparkle of color in his flesh.What should you expect from a Legacy portrait? Hint: it's not a trick question. ... See MoreSee Less
The Real Deal - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
Having a portrait is a sacred trust for me. I have worked hard over my 45 year career so I can guarantee an excellent result.I love the diversity of expression out there in the artworld. Here's a little information about my painting style and philosophy. ... See MoreSee Less
Expressive Realism - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
I prefer this way of working because it preserves a certain level of artistic integrity, the "backbone" of the work. It is more interesting,I guarantee you'll love your portrait. I will make sure it is everything you've hoped it will be. That means we are working together for a common goal, which we will discuss fully before I paint a stroke. It's a delicate process I have honed over 45 years. ... 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.... See MoreSee Less