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.
BLOG CATEGORIES
ALL BLOGS
Three Dog Night
This classic portrait montage celebrates the owner's three favorite animals in the world. It was presented as a gift and is destined to become a treasured family heirloom. Notice how the eye moves entering from the top dog from the left and moving down and around,...
Praise for Chromo Sapient by Barbara Pitcher
Forward by Barbara Pitcher Dear reader, this is a gift. I want you to take this little poem book somewhere you can be alone at a time when you need not a lover, but a dear friend, when a deep love or friendship is necessary. I had such an experience. That is why I...
Kurt Wilder Investiture
It is always exciting to present a portrait. Last week was the investiture of Hon. Kurtis Wilder's portrait at the Michigan Supreme Court. The ceremony took place in front of the entire court, all members present. There were speeches by many supporters, including...
My Teaching Method
When I teach privately I like to use the paint along process, where the student paints along as I demonstrate. This is how I learned, sitting next to my father and painting what he painted. I call it full immersion study. It usually works out as a win-win. The student...
The Political Divide
Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. ~Bertrand Russell (Book: Unpopular Essays : https://amzn.to/3PvxdDo) It’s strange to be a member of a group (democrats) that is so feared...
My Furry Friends Demo
Recently, I had the pleasure of creating an oil portrait of my dog, Bailey, as the subject of my "Furry Friends" demo, begun at Art on the Square Gallery, where you can also see some of my latest work. I finished the painting in my studio. Here's my Youtube video of...
The Slavery of Work and AI
We are witnessing a transformation of our economy, as the unpleasant tasks we formerly performed for money will be done automatically by AI. We all will someday soon receive a guaranteed income and be free to do whatever we like. Whether that is pursuing our art or...
How to Appreciate Art
Steve Anthony Cefalo created some great tips for appreciating artwork, with which I agree whole heartedly. This is not anti-intellectual dribble (heaven forbid). It’s a way to expand your intuition and use your lifetime of experience to enter a work of art. The...
One Man’s Trauma
We refer to life's obstacles as “formative experiences” or “trials” when we’re mature enough to process the challenges they present. We may succeed or fail but we are emotionally prepared to accept the consequences. And when we are not emotionally prepared to deal...
Dare to Paint Badly
You have the choice. It’s just paint. No one will get hurt if you lay down paint where you choose to put it.
Picture Lights
A Circus Barker: See the video on FB. Heres's the transcript: Folks, ya simply won’t believe how you've managed to live without picture lights. The light reflected by an original oil painting into a room is at least 375 times richer and warmer than any fancy lamp...
A Vortex of Hoplessness
This is a very difficult subject and I'm probably out of my league discussing, because I'm a member of white middle class by birth. But maybe, that is what makes me the most qualified. I have lived the entitlements heaped upon my demographic. Yes, I have struggled,...
Would you like to get inspiration in your inbox, rather than ads for more stuff? Welcome to ManiscalcoGallery.com
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
I love Pete. Him and AOC, the dream team to end this madness and start over. ... See MoreSee Less
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.Hope you can come out and see me and the other artists this time round. ... See MoreSee Less
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.Tomorrows the big meet and greet in Royal oak. See y'all there. ... See MoreSee Less
... See MoreSee Less
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."The Fantasy" is a painting I've thought about for many years. How do I depict a defense mechanism? How do I paint the fantasy that ruled me for so many years? Well, this is what I came up with, along with accompanying story. #artastherapy #therapueticart #charlestonartist #lowcountryartist #dreamgirl #csa #defensemechanism #arttherapylife #discoveryarts #childhood #delusional #sexualabuseawareness #thestory #psychology #therapy #arttherapy maniscalcogallery.com/product/the-fantasy/ ... See MoreSee Less
This one is very spiritual for me. At a time when we need hope the most. That's why I painted, "The Hope."
Im givingng away inspiration but im selling art.
#hope #jesus #christian #church #churchfamily #holyspirit #holyweek #easter #eastersunday #sunset #nature #inspiration #inspirational #charlestonsc #holycity ... See MoreSee Less