Motivational Blog
The “It” of Art (from “Point of Art”)
From "Point of Art" published in 2007, now available as a Second Edition A couple years back the Detroit Artists Network (DAN) met to discuss ways to promote Detroit artists. The question came up: what is the “it” of Detroit art (#itofart)? Most cities have asked...
Fame
There is no such thing any more as a "famous artist." There are only those artists you know who move, touch and inspire you and those you don't. Those folks out there you see on TV or in Art in America are not your folks. You have no relationship with them...
Portrait of Dr. Valarie Parisi
Dr. Valarie Parisi Recognized with a portrait I’ve been working hard, putting the finishing touches on this portrait. I love this painting and am very excited about it being presented in May. The portrait honors Dr. Valarie Parisi for her years of service as Dean of...
Quench Project Update
I am setting up exhibition dates beginning May 1 and speaking dates for after March 1. I am beginning the painting phase now. The recent influx of commission portraits has lead to a delay from my target date. But of course, I'm not complaining. I am blessed and...
Politics and Religion
I predict we are on the verge of a seismic political shift in this country.
Rite of Passage Portraits
Graduating Sisters In yet another Christmas 2014 portrait, this one celebrates the graduation of Hannah (from college) and Lillian (from high school). This is a wonderful time to have an oil portrait. This rite of passage portrait celebrates the graduation of two...
The Young Family Portrait
I wanted to capture the energy and playfulness of these energetic children and the fun of being on the beach. I enjoy the juxtaposition of formality against the relaxed casualness of informal poses in a natural setting. The glimmer of late summer sunlight shimmers...
Retro Portrait
Among the many portrait commissions I'm finishing in time for Christmas is this little gem. "Dodo" was created from a photograph taken in the 1930s. I wanted to capture the feel and painting sensibility of that period as I worked. The client has in mind a whole...
Are Quick Studies More Professional?
Talent has more to do with our ability to to assimilate and integrate new information into what we already know than any special genetic predisposition. Some are quicker on the uptake. But often these people lose interest in their natural abilities. Those who...
Holiday Portraits
Charleston Portrait Painter carries the torch his father lit 45 years ago! I am blessed this year with some great holiday portrait commissions. Here is one of them finding its happy home, delivered by none other than Santa himself. Gene and Georgie Wambold are one of...









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“Light” is a #painting about the moment before everything changes—the quiet split-second when intention becomes action. Set against a swirling, cosmic backdrop, the hands of God (or man?) hold earth or another planet to the flame of destruction (or enlightenment?). The painting invites you to consider both the beauty and the weight of what we choose to ignite in our lives. It holds the tension between our power to create and our responsibility to care. #Light is for those who think deeply about #purpose, #stewardship, and the mystery of #existence, “Light” becomes more than an artwork. It’s a daily reminder that even the smallest spark—an idea, a conversation, a decision—can shape entire worlds. There’s a moment—right before we act—when everything is still possible.
“Light” was painted for the people who feel that weight: the therapists, teachers, spiritual guides, scientists, and quiet leaders who know their choices ripple out farther than they can see. If you’ve ever looked at our fragile little planet and felt both awe and responsibility, this piece is meant to live in your space. A reminder that what you choose to ignite today matters. Where in your life are you ready to strike the match? ... See MoreSee Less
Have you had an #oilportrait of your #children made yet? Now is the best time to #create an #heirloom #portrait by one of America's top portraitists. ... See MoreSee Less
"Jennifer's Flowers" is a recent painting. Can you see how it is a depiction of lovers? How does it make you feel? ... See MoreSee Less
What is existence? Are we really spiritual beings, made in God's image? #existence #charlestonsc #painting #artcollector ... See MoreSee Less
This dramatic, colorful, painterly, expressive self-portrait is an example of what I can do for you. ... See MoreSee Less
Thanks Robbin.
As Americans marked Presidents’ Day — a holiday traditionally reserved for honoring the nation’s leaders, their legacies and the arc of presidential history — Donald Trump found himself in the middle of a growing controversy over how his legacy is framed in one of the country’s most revered cultural institutions.
Trump reportedly requested that the Smithsonian Institution commission a new official presidential portrait that would encapsulate both his nonconsecutive terms — a departure from the usual practice of unveiling an official painted portrait only after a president leaves office. An earlier portrait commissioned after his first term, painted by the late Ronald Sherr, was never displayed because Trump was running for reelection when it was completed. But now, Trump wants a different image to represent his full tenure. At the same time, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has already stirred debate by replacing Trump’s previous photographic portrait in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition and stripping wall text that noted his two impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The new display features a stark image by White House photographer Daniel Torok with minimal context, a contrast to other presidents’ portraits, which still include fuller biographical captions. At the same time, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has already stirred debate by replacing Trump’s previous photographic portrait in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition and stripping wall text that noted his two impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The new display features a stark image by White House photographer Daniel Torok with minimal context, a contrast to other presidents’ portraits, which still include fuller biographical captions. ... See MoreSee Less
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