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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The Obstacle Course of my Life
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger I am a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, which deeply impacted my sensibility and sense of self worth. One positive that came out of it was it made me more sensitive to the suffering of others. Believe me, empathy is not...
Falling Leaves
A Grandma's love I'm very excited to show another recent commission. This one from a bunch of photos taken by a proud grandma. In this case, Cheryle gave me many options and said "surprise me." I have found, the more latitude a client provides an artist, the better...
Portrait of Butch
The Posthumous Portrait Challenge Here's an interesting recent commission, from a blurry B&W snapshot taken in the 1970s, evidently on an airplane. Butch passed away last year and his wife of many years decided to have her favorite pic of him made into a painting....
Wrong is Right on
Dannagal Goldtnwaite Young has written a book called Wrong, which was recently featured on an episode of Hidden Brain (on NPR), called, "Sitting with Uncertainty." Wrong is a very enlightening book that not only sheds a much needed light on our political divide but...
The Last Supper in Haiti
It was confirmed for me yesterday that the Watermission compound in Porta Prince, Haiti, where I painted the Last Supper mural fell out of their hands in 2023, when they abandoned the property and the country was taken over by gangs. This was part of my work on The...
How to Eat a Dog
Haitian Refugees in Springfield OH Here's my response to the Springfield Haitian-Refugees-eating-pets conspiracy theory. At the end of the day, instead of wondering IF anyone would eat someone's pet we need to be asking WHY? Can you imagine the level of abject poverty...
Am I Entitled?
Am I entitled? I was born into advantages that have set me up for a good life. But am I entitled? I worked hard and made the most of those advantages. But am I entitled? I have dedicated my life to lifting everyone up with the success I have enjoyed. But am I...
Reactive vs Proactive Artists
I've been thinking about what kind of artist I want to be. After 45 years in the business, I think its time. Do I choose to respond to what other artists are doing successfully and turn myself inside out trying to beat them at their own game? Or dare I trod my own...
The Second Coming of Trump
We Know Trump is a Criminal A large number of American now see Trump as the answer we've all been waiting for. For many people, Trump's second term is like the second coming of Christ. They think all these trials are just a partisan witch hunt. But we really don't...
Job and Abel
Another reason I speak out against a second Trump presidency is because it will mark the end of the Parole program, allowing Americans to sponsor citizens of struggling countries, like Haiti and bring them here, legally. I am sponsoring two beautiful young men, Abel...
Stop Trump at the Ballot Box
This Battle can only be Won by Voting The unfortunate and inexcusable assassination attempt notwithstanding, Trump is still Trump. We must stop him decisively at the ballot box. Until then, we must fight the good fight, the fight of ideas, with everything we have. We...
Mayor Joe Riley
Mayor Joe Riley Vernissage at the Citadel on July 16th, 2024 Today was a good day. I am so proud and excited that I finally was able to share my portrait of Mayor Joe Riley, commissioned by the Citadel Foundation for the Hall of Fame in the Daniel Library, joining the...
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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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Tell me about your Maniscalco portrait, past or future. #oilportrait #oilpainting #portraitart ... See MoreSee Less