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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Quench Project Artist Talk
PRESS RELEASE February 23, 2015 The Quench Project Artist Talk with Robert Maniscalco Where: Gage Hall - Unitarian Church in Charleston, 4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401 When: Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 10:00 am More info soon at Unitarian Church Website or call...
Joe Maniscalco Retrospective at The Scarab Club of Detroit
PRESS RELEASE The Maniscalco Legacy - Joseph Maniscalco Retrospective Exhibition Dates: Friday, April 3rd through Saturday, May 16th, 2015 Where: Scarab Club 217 Farnsworth, Detroit MI 48202 Reception: Friday, April 3rd 5-8 pm Gallery Talk: 6:30 pm on April 3rd....
The Only is Now
Time is nothing more than a way to describe our complex mind's ability to conceive and experience memories from the past and project ideas of a possible future in the present. Time is not a thing and doesn't exist, in and of itself. Our linear perception of time...
Arts Education and World Peace
We all know that an arts education is an integral part of becoming a professional artist. It is also integral to becoming a fully functional human being. The arts have a way of opening up and developing the whole person. In school, we are taught how to survive. We...
The “It” of Art (from “Point of Art”)
From "Point of Art" published in 2007, now available as a Second Edition A couple years back the Detroit Artists Network (DAN) met to discuss ways to promote Detroit artists. The question came up: what is the “it” of Detroit art (#itofart)? Most cities have asked...
Fame
There is no such thing any more as a "famous artist." There are only those artists you know who move, touch and inspire you and those you don't. Those folks out there you see on TV or in Art in America are not your folks. You have no relationship with them...
Portrait of Dr. Valarie Parisi
Dr. Valarie Parisi Recognized with a portrait I’ve been working hard, putting the finishing touches on this portrait. I love this painting and am very excited about it being presented in May. The portrait honors Dr. Valarie Parisi for her years of service as Dean of...
Quench Project Update
I am setting up exhibition dates beginning May 1 and speaking dates for after March 1. I am beginning the painting phase now. The recent influx of commission portraits has lead to a delay from my target date. But of course, I'm not complaining. I am blessed and...
Politics and Religion
I predict we are on the verge of a seismic political shift in this country.
Rite of Passage Portraits
Graduating Sisters In yet another Christmas 2014 portrait, this one celebrates the graduation of Hannah (from college) and Lillian (from high school). This is a wonderful time to have an oil portrait. This rite of passage portrait celebrates the graduation of two...
The Young Family Portrait
I wanted to capture the energy and playfulness of these energetic children and the fun of being on the beach. I enjoy the juxtaposition of formality against the relaxed casualness of informal poses in a natural setting. The glimmer of late summer sunlight shimmers...
Retro Portrait
Among the many portrait commissions I'm finishing in time for Christmas is this little gem. "Dodo" was created from a photograph taken in the 1930s. I wanted to capture the feel and painting sensibility of that period as I worked. The client has in mind a whole...
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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