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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Still Lives Matter
I hope you'll pardon this tasteless, though possibly clever, pun as the title to this blog. I've created a lot of still lives over the years but I've always had an odd relationship to the genre. I believe if I am going to ask someone to stare at a painting of mine it...
Under a Bushel
I've always believed God has a way of bringing certain talents to light. Experience tells me that everyone has gifts, areas of exceptional insight, something many people refer to as "talent." Some know their purpose from an early age. My sister always wanted to be a...
Inside the Artist’s Studio
http://hkpowerstudio.com/inside-the-artist-studiorob-maniscalco/
Artfields 2016
I am very excited to have been selected as an exhibiting artist for Artfields 2016, with my painting of Louise Noel, part of The Quench Project. This competition is open to southern artists and is modeled after Artprize, held annually in Grand Rapids, MI. There are...
Paint it Forward
In the spirit of the "Pay it Forward" campaign made popular a few years back, "Paint it Forward" is a challenge to other artists to use their unique skill, vision and power to create work that addresses the important issues of our time. Art with a social conscience is...
Recovery versus Relief
An Excerpt from “Quench” part of The Quench Project Haiti is now in a recovery stage; the emergency relief aid has faded from the headlines as time has passed since the tragedy of 2010. Part of my intention in The Quench Project has been to keep our focus on the...
Why We’re Here
A letter to fellow creatives I get that I'm just a regular fella; nothing I do entitles me to any more favor than anyone else. God loves me the same as he loves everyone. His love is unconditional and absolute. I also get that we live in a society that celebrates the...
Thirsting for Solutions – City Paper on Quench Project
December 23, 2015 Arts+Movies » Features Robert Maniscalco paints Haitians overcoming the 2010 earthquake Thirsting for Solutions By Bryan Granger Courtesy of Robert Maniscalo The enduring optimism of Haitians is what made...
Trickle Down Armageddon
Armageddon and the Ascent of Trump This is the nightmare I had last night (December 14, 2016). It followed the path we are currently on to its inevitable conclusion. In my dream, Donald Trump has captured the Presidency, the proud leader of the most powerful nation...
Atlanta Portraits
Portrait artist, Robert Maniscalco travels to Atlanta, GA. Over the years, I have created a lot of portraits all over the country. Here are just a few of the many favorites I have painted for my clients in Atlanta, GA. It's like a second home to me as a portrait...
Quench Project Budget and Charitable Model
The Quench Project Budget and the Arts Infused Charitable Model One aspect of my mission as an artist is that my art be sold. I do not subscribe to the Starving Artist paradigm. Art is not only my spiritual calling, it is my livelihood. I'm in the business of self...
The Self Esteem Delusion
I believe freedom from suffering is only possible, once the ego is revealed for what it is. The ego is that part of us which believes we are separate from God. Another word for ego in this context might be called sin. We all know a healthy self-esteem, self-reliance,...
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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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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:
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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