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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Show me the Money
"Having read and watched your kickstarter Quench Project presentation a couple of times, I am yet unclear on the percentage of money going to "their" great cause, as opposed to "your" cause? And, what percentage of the sale of your work goes to "them"?" Thanks for...
Almost Half Way There
Silly me. I'm so new to this crowd funding concept that I only just discovered I can send updates to my backers. So here's the first update: For those of you who have supported this Kickstarter campaign, who have responded with even a small contribution, a piece of...
Thinking and Feeling
"Think on your palette, feel on your painting." rm This is a theme that comes up often in the lessons that I teach on painting and drawing. People often ask me how much of what we do as artists is feeling and how much is thinking. The simple answer is both. ...
Paint What You Know
"Paint what you know," is a common piece of advice to those entering any artistic discipline. That's why my first novel (The Fishfly) was semi-autobiographical. I write (and paint and act) about things I know. But I also write and paint and act about things I want...
Luke Immortal
Natalie Becknell was the lucky winner of our recent pet portrait raffle at Doolittle's. She was very excited to get this beautiful 9" x 12" oil portrait of her best friend Luke. Keep your eye out for future specials and freebies from Charleston's favorite portrait...
Recent Portraits Presented in Detroit
Here are a couple portraits presented in Detroit recently. The "big wig" on the left is now part of a series of graphite portraits of his predecessors, many created by my father over his long career of his predecessor. I'm not at liberty to reveal his identity until...
Democritization of Art
In response to my recent posting on FB of this Stella Adler quote and describing those who don't have something to contribute as fillers, a very wise, dear friend responded privately: "''Fillers?' Not true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, or kind. It takes courage to...
Collecting Fine Art
Do your research Emerging collectors should become informed by utilizing museums, galleries, auction houses, artists, fellow collectors, art books, magazines and websites to assist them in acquiring art. But you don't need a Master's degree in art history to be a...
Ghost Art
This past weekend we took a ghost tour on top of a hearse and stayed at "the most haunted" Bed & Breakfast in Savannah (17hundred90). Didn't see any ghosts so we went to the local museums and toured a couple homes. We spent a lovely afternoon at the Telfair...
Alex in Charcoal
Celebrating Childhood I love that I have a job where I can help people capture the feeling of a time, which we all know too well, inevitably will slip away. I feel like a time traveler and it's awesome. Now those who love, and will come to love Alex, will always...
Trust
"It takes a lifetime to build trust and only a second to destroy it forever." I have written previously about the art business as a con game. Well here is a painting I know you will like. . . Once, on a cruise ship, the auctioneer was angry that no one was bidding....
Maya and the Surviving Spirit
We are Here In homage to this great life allow me to suggest that as creatives we all owe her a debt, that a woman who had to overcome such great odds to have her voice heard is an inspiration for all those who have ever been brave enough to put down on canvas a...
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Thanks to Jeanette of Art & Faith Galleria for finding my portrait of Mother Teresa a good home. If you are in Royal Oak, MI, make it a point to stop in and see the amazing artwork, as well as Jeanette's unique and magnificent collection of icons and rosaries. The work at A&FG is not always overtly religious, but it is always awe-inspiring, reminding us that God is everywhere and in all things. I think this is a time where we are seeking a deeper meaning.
My portrait of Mother Teresa joins my Pope Leo portrait as my most recent art sales. I think God is trying to tell us something. What do you think?
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Check out my pet portrait July special: Get an oil portrait of your pet through the month of July for a special price!
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What an amazing portrait! Bravo! ... See MoreSee Less
Barack and I were so honored to have @NjidekaAkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!
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