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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Dear Bully, Yeah You (Me)
Dear Bully, yeah you (me), I can see you don't go around pushing people, insulting them, sticking their hair in inkwells, that sort of thing. But you do single people out. You find something you don't like about them. You may not even know exactly what it is, but...
Drawing for Smart People
Here's some advice for all you really smart people who want to be able to draw what you see: Dumb it down a bit. Great painters have more in common with magicians than with detectives. See less, rather than more. Don't show off your sexy curves. Curves are where...
Reviews Are In for 33 Variations
Here's a lovely, thoughtful review of the show, this by wonderful art spirit that is Olivia Pool of ART MAG. We are so lucky here in Charleston, to have the support of our media as our many artists throw themselves into their passions. The review also has a great...
Hoping is the Great Curse
"Hoping is the great curse" Beethoven, from 33 Variations Keeping dreams alive that can never be is a form of insanity. This flies in the face of those who have bought into The American Dream and other delusions fed to us by those who desire to control us. Better to...
Beethoven and God
In answer to Schindler's question about the Opus 31, No. 2, Beethoven replied, "Read Shakespeare's Tempest." Much is said about listening to your inner voice and soul, which is all well and good. But first you have to connect your inner voice and soul with others. ...
Interview with “Beethoven”
An interview with Sara Coy for the Threshold Theatre production of 33 Variations 1. Where did you grow up? What drew you to theatre and the arts? I grew up in a household full of the arts in St Clair Shores, Michigan. I remember hot summer days of intense creativity,...
Which Came First, the Art or the Artist?
A friend posted, "you don't have to be an artist to create art." Yes, I suppose if you created art that would qualify you as an artist. But only an artist can create art. Most people simply aren't willing to risk looking foolish in the attempt and will never rise to...
Creativity and the Definition of Art
"Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." I've been saying this for many years as a teacher. The idea that giving ourselves total freedom to do anything at all and calling it art, may sound absurd, but it is a great first...
Madness and Art
In his turn, in a letter to a friend, composer Zelter from Berlin, Goethe let him know of his meeting with Beethoven: "I met Beethoven. His talent astonished me; nevertheless, he unfortunately has a tumultuous personality, which is not completely wrong in thinking...
Orphan Relief Gala Performance Painting
Orphan Relief Gala and beautiful people I performed this sketch of Mary Playing the Violin at the Lowcountry Orphan Relief Gala, last evening, where it was auctioned off to raise money for first responders in cases of child abuse here in Charleston. I was given the...
Why Do It?
Why Do It? This is the most important question we can ask. "I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must out; that is the reason why I compose." Ludwig van Beethoven As I prepare for my upcoming role as Beethoven in 33...
Fear and Bravery
Fear and Bravery Fear is nothing more than an opportunity for bravery. Every time we are brave we are a hero to ourselves and others. rm There was a father and a son. The father, cold and afraid, herded onto a rugged ship with other brave...
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Remembering Manny Krammer. He was a loving mentor, an unequivocal supporter of my early career as an artist. He got me teaching and exhibiting in his little gallery in Rochester. He was one of the first messengers of love and positivity in my life, a gentle force of will, reminding me and everyone he touched that we are not alone in this work. Gone but not forgotten. ... See MoreSee Less
Great study by a great portraitist  ... See MoreSee Less
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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.Again, portraiture in all its forms, is legacy, it is history, it belongs to everyone. ... See MoreSee Less
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Shoulda asked me. I guarantee a perfect likeness. 😆 ... See MoreSee Less
Anne Boleyn painting is ‘actually a different royal’, claims historian
www.the-independent.com
Off with her head? Painting in National Portrait Gallery’s collection may have been important political tool to shore-up Elizabeth I’s hold on power