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 Case for Painting Sober
Have you noticed the rise of all the Bottles and Brush type businesses, offering a fun, easy painting experience over a glass or two or three of wine? These places are literally overflowing with drunken, brush wielding Van Gogh wannabees having great fun. What once...
Trenton Michigan Talk from 4/26/01
Honored guests, Over the years, I have been widely praised, while at times villainized as a vigorous advocate and promoter for the arts. I stand accused of being a flagrant self promoter. It’s true, I speak boldly about the exhibits at my gallery which feature local...
Detroit and The Carburetor Mentality
Detroit is at a cross roads with a burgeoning cultural revolution at odds with the powers of convention and mendacity, the results of which are best represented by slick new ball stadiums, casinos and glossy redevelopment. Detroit’s unique automobile culture is what...
Calling All Art Spirits
Article written by Robert Maniscalco and reprinted in Pointer News around 1998 Detroit, MI, — Many people have said to me over the years, “I envy you. I can’t even draw a straight line.” It breaks my heart to hear that many people have grown into adulthood convinced...
Portrait of an artist
Portrait exhibit shows work by former eastsider Robert Maniscalco It could be said that artist Robert Maniscalco works in the family business. Like his father — renowned portrait painter Joseph Maniscalco — he’s a portrait painter. And following in his father’s...

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My portrait of Miss Susie Jackson, along with "The Tan Suit," will be part of the upcoming MOJA exhibition at Charleston City Gallery, part of the city-wide MOJA Festival. ...
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Thank you Tom for your insight and perspective on the age old debate on nudity. Apparently, even male nudity from the waste up is a thing. I think ageism may have also been a factor - no one wants to see my sagging carcass. I'm proud I won, but I've been around long enough to know it could have easily been a bust - just not my bust. "Reflections" goes to Cincinnati next for a national show. I'm proud of the high quality this show is attracting, raising the artistic standards, if not the moral standards, of our region. This was my second 'best of' in as many years of the Lowcountry FA Showcase. Now, the question dangles tantalizingly over the horizon: should I go for three next year? Or quit while I'm ahead (but not a semi nude body!)? ...
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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.I am excited to announce my painting, "Gratitude" has been juried into the Fall 2026 Open Juried Exhibition of the Portrait Society of Atlanta! The exhibition will take place at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, Georgia from October 3 to December 5, 2026. If you're in the Atlanta area definitely come check out the show! This painting will be available for purchase during the exhibition.
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#portraitsocietyofatlanta #painting #portraitpainting ...
Call Now
You are invited to an exhibition of my work and a lively Portrait Demonstration
PORTRAIT DEMONSTRATION
SEPTEMBER 15, @ 11:00 AM
at IOP REC CENTER, 24 28th Ave,
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
info: 843.886.8294
The exhibition will run from August 31 - September 19 ...
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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.Still wet on the easel, The Tan Suit has great significance, not only because Obama infamously wore one as President . . . Remember when this was such a terrible transgression? But making billions on buisness deals as President is okay? But I digress. This painting is from a pic I took in 2010 in front of Mother Emanuel Church, in a simpler time.
maniscalcogallery.com/product/the-tan-suit/ ...