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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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...
Creativity and Insanity – Artbeat Tribute to Gail mally-mack
Today I present a tribute to Gail mally-mack, whom we featured on Artbeat back in 2003. Her passing is a loss to the art world and the Detroit art community will miss her dearly. Although the conversation didn't really go there in my visit in her studio, it struck...
Be a Con Artist
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." Pablo Picasso Here's the ugly truth about being an artist. Actually, its not really so ugly, once you get over the initial shock. It's your job to convince me, the art lover/collector, that you know...
NETI, the UNscene
Hi, I'm Robert Maniscalco, NETI's Doppelganger, reporting to you today to assure you the world continues to turn on it's axis (access). Thankfully, for some, NETI has gone unscene for quite some time. Let me paint the unscene this way: "NETI was last unscene in a...
The Philosophy Behind the Power of Positive Painting
The Power of Positive Painting (P3) The Philosophy Behind the P3 Method As the title suggests, my philosophy of teaching, as well as my approach to painting itself, is positive. I encourage my students to take positive action, always moving forward in their process. ...
Renewing Custom Massage
Renewing Custom Massage If you are ever in need of a renewing custom massage or facial treatment, Marina Hackel is your go to gal in Charleston. Here's what she has to say about her mission: Massage is not simply a technique, but a spiritual dance. It is a...
When is Faster Better?
Here's today's first quick sketch, redeemed by the owner of GoCharlestonDeals.com. There are about three days left to get your sketches in, at half price. Check out that G0CharlestonDeals link above for more info about the deal. I find the element of time to be...
Clearance Sale of Female Forms
We are making an exclusive studio clearance offer of Female Forms to Maniscalco BLOG subscribers. This will be your only opportunity to acquire these artworks at these well-below market prices. This offer will also be extended to close friends and those you may...
Perfectionism – The Perils of Making Rough Places Plane
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth. Luke 3:5 One might argue the spiritual arch is one of finding the middle. Over the millennia nature has a...
Fighting the Good Fight
"A man paints with his brains and not with his hands." Michelangelo Buonarroti Try explaining this to a fellow who's just spent $350 on art supplies, thinking if only he had the right brush, all his troubles would be over. His masterpiece is always around the...
My Personal Best
You can't do better than to do the best you can. Trouble comes when people base their concept of their personal best on a mental construct dragged up from their past experiences, or worse, the past experiences of others, which are no longer relevant. Every new...
Quick Sketch Deal
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. Aristotle I really enjoy sketching quickly. The time element is exciting to me. Here's your chance to get some sketching time with me. Here's where you can get...
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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