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 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...
Quench Miracles
For me to detail every miracle that has come out of The Quench Project would require I write another book. But I wanted to attempt to list the many ways God has blessed me and others throughout TQP and offer Him thanks and praise for being such a kind and generous...
Emperor’s New Clothes – Artfields 2016
Cate and I had such a wonderful Artfields experience this year, as we do every year. I think what makes it such a great experience are the people and the inviting atmosphere. And yes, the really cool art. Since I was asked by the organizers to present my feedback and...
Why Have Your Portrait Painted?
As part of my marketing plan, years ago, I was trying to really understand why people have their portraits painted. I was clear on why I did portraits but not so clear on what was in it for my clients. I decided to create this Feature/Benefits/Value Analysis to...
Quench Heading to Flint
The Quench Project is heading to Flint, MI for a special exhibition, coming together in response to their unprecedented tragedy. I will be one of several artists who will be contributing work to this important project. The work will range from political satire to...
Botanical Residency
I was delighted and honored to present an artist residency at Summerville Elementary. The four day workshop was the culmination of all five first-grade classes' study of plants. I love the challenge of taking what might be a boring subject and turning it into a...
Executive Sweet
I recently had the privilege of being in attendance as my portrait was presented at a very swanky event in Detroit. The Karmanos Cancer Institute honored their outgoing Chair with an oil portrait at their annual gala. It was well received, judging from the applause....
The Forgotten
I find it appalling that we have forgotten Haiti. It is astounding how quickly the child sexual abuse epidemic has fallen off our radar. It's horrendous that the Flint water crisis has already been brushed under the rug and forgotten. And there is a continuous flow of...
I See Blue
Watch a short film about the color blue: I've noticed some artists tend to favor a certain color. Taking a very wide view, I've even noticed certain cities tend to shy away from certain colors or favor others. It seemed every artist in New Orleans started with a...
Picture of a Memory
Memory Painting Recently, I was asked by a very dear friend to create a vivid memory painting for the 60th birthday of her brother. All the siblings chipped in to pay for this 16" x 20" oil painting, framed in Mahogany. It was made from a compilation of several...
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
The grand arbiter of taste, who definitely would not recognize a Van Gogh if it hit them in the face. Apologies to all those who've awarded me over the years, and to those who didn't. One reason I detest authority. When I've played the role of juror, I always feel it necessary to write about each of the works, something kind and something to work on. I see the role of juror is not to judge, but uplift and encourage people who've put their heart and soul on the line.i usually pick the piece most reasonable people would agree is award worthy. I think contests should be there to support deep study and commitment to the purpose of art, which is to open our eyes to something heretofore unseen. It is the jurors job to see the artists' work, so the artists know they have been seen. ...
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.Evil's Place, another collaboration with Nick Cerrato. I know you can't zoom in on insta so I will tell you God is pressing the devil into his place, while multiple figures reacts to the battle of good vs evil. NFS ...
Brando as Col. Kurtz in Apocalypse Now, from an iconic photo, just for fun. ...
What is talent? ...
Do check out this podcast. There may be just what you need to hear right now. ...
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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.