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 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,...
The Family Portrait
Family is not an important thing. It's everything. Michael J. Fox We were recently in Detroit taking in the colors and celebrating Cate's grandmother's 100th Birthday. Here's a little painting I did as a gift to the birthday girl. I also had the pleasure of...
Time to Get Organized – Interview with Heather Power
If only I were organized, maybe, just maybe . . . anonymous artist Are you confused, perhaps a little overwhelmed in your studio? Heather Power is here to help. We talked the other day about all kinds of things related to getting organized, something many artists...
Considering a Career in Art
I'm considering a career in art, but I'm not sure where to start. I like to draw and paint but I'm not sure who would buy enough of my art to support my family. I have a lot of work, numerous series and have been told I'm very good. So I read a book on marketing. It...
Getting What You Pay For
I have recently lost a few commission portraits to part-time artists, who were able to considerably undercut my fee. There are many reasons why this is happening more often than in the past. I'm hearing more and more often from my colleagues that there is a lot of...
Memory and History
When does art become a symbol for the subject of the art? Are we defacing a guy named Columbus or the artist who made the statue? Or are we supporting the defacing of something else? An idea? If so, are there more effective ways of expressing that idea than vandalism?...
Quench, the Book, Coming Soon!
9/29/15 PR - Quench, the book, Release Date Renowned Charleston artist, Robert Maniscalco, has created an exhibition of paintings, expressing hope and renewal, inspired by his Vision Trip to Haiti in November 2014. The book, "Quench," is to be released in November...
The Secret to Happiness, from Haiti with Love
From the upcoming Quench - reflections on God, art, water and equality by Robert Maniscalco Pastor Medit Sanon runs the Bread of Life Missionary Orphanage, in Jacmel, Haiti. Julio and I are welcomed with warm embrace. No doubt, a hug is the best way to begin any great...
The Pollyanna Principle
I've been singing, acting, writing and painting for many years, thinking I was bringing something to these disciplines, something valuable, something of beauty. It is humbling, to say the least, when we inevitably encounter those moments which awaken us from the...
The Faceless Hordes
This is an excerpt from Quench, available soon! Through The Quench Project I simply want to give a face to the faceless hordes. When seen as a wash of humanity it is easy to lose sight of the individuals comprising the whole. My goal in coming here was not to document...
Equestrian Challenge
Last week I did an artist-in-residence at the Anndell Inn, in Freshfields on Kiawah Island, as part of the Charleston Summer Classic Equestrian Festival. The residency was sponsored by the Mary Martin Gallery, who has a magnificent satellite gallery at Anndell Inn. It...
ADDENDUM to My Christian Testimony
The point, for me, in writing and sharing my testimony, was to outline my discovery process, to reveal the journey that culminated in my becoming a Christian. It was not intended to negate the first 52 years of my life. It was simply to point out my need, indeed all...












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.