Motivational Blog
Single Stories
I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in a while who asked me where my hat was. I stammered, “what hat?” He said, “c'mon, you always wear a hat!” It is true that I sometimes wear hats; the sun can be murderous on bald heads. I was struck, however, that his experience with...
Working Through Pain
A Brave Front Most people know me as a go getter, whatever that is. I'm a doer. I am always trying to make something happen, always hustling. But years of negative messaging from myself and others, in the form of CSA and verbal trauma, and the resulting anxiety and...
Rudolf Nureyev
Excerpts of a letter Rudolf Nureyev wrote, to the dance community about his own life as a dancer, while dying of AIDS. His words remind me of why I paint or act or write. Not for the glory but for the shear joy of doing, the simple thrill of exploring my curiosities,...
Private Lessons Rock
As Covid protocols continue to hang over us, we all have been making adjustments. I am giving my demos over zoom now, rather than in person. I have even been doing commission portraits completely virtual. My online shop has gone up and I'm selling work without ever...
Essential Still Life
What is an Essential Still Life? View Custom Still Lives Robert has Done for Others In addition to my oil portraits I can create a very personal still life, perhaps celebrating a bride’s wedding, or other monumental event, with an “essential still life” remembering "a...
Everyone Must Work
I was visited by God* in my dream last night where the story of heaven on earth unfolded before me. The dream made clear that Heaven doesn’t exist in another dimension or another location. Heaven is in the process of manifesting joy and wonderment in our present,...
The Choice
Let them eat cake. Why should Richard Branson send himself into orbit? Is it to send a message to those deadbeat dads that throwing their children's lives away is a tragic waste of their child-making abilities. It's not rocket science. Or maybe it is, a little. I...
Dr. John Vena
The Big Reveal It's always a pleasure when my work is appreciated. Today was the dedication of my portrait of Dr. John Vena, retiring chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at MUSC. He served six years and transformed the department into the sixth rated PHS...
Wedding Portraits
As you know, I create portraits for every occasion. Wedding are a beautiful time in our lives and there is no better way to remember that awesome experience than with an oil portrait. Find out about my wedding portraits and the many ways we can devise to express the...
Self Esteem, Entitlement and White Privilege
The Trap of Self-esteem The self-esteem craze began with the Power of Positive Thinking, years ago. I certainly have written my fair share on the subject. This approach to life has also become known as the Law of Attraction. Basically, the premise is, "if you can...










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Very excited to get out there with my work next week. I hope you can join Chris, me and over 60 top artists of the southeast. ... 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.This wonderful couple of world travelers celebrating their anniversary with a #custom #oilpainting of their trip to #giza. ... See MoreSee Less
A portrait of Natalie painted from life today at Wes Israel's studio. Nice people, wonderful artists. ... See MoreSee Less
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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