Portraiture Blog
CSU Progress Report
I must admit I was a little nervous going in, but my adjunct professorship at Charleston Southern University has been a true pleasure for me. Not only are the Drawing 1 & 2 students eager learners but they are some of the most gentle, fun-loving students I've...
Quick Sketch and Mobile Painting Parties
I did my first Mobile Painting Party, where I packed up all the materials and traveled to a client location where they could painting and party in comfort. It worked out so well, I am now making that option available to others. My painting party experiences are fun,...
Dylann Roof Courtroom Sketches
I spent this past Monday sketching at the Dylann Roof jury selection hearing at the federal court, in Charleston, SC. I will likely be producing more sketches during the upcoming trial as well. It should be noted from the start how cool that in the age of digital...
My Higher Self
Today I am grateful for the gift of recognition. I have worked hard over my 38 year career and been richly rewarded in what may seem to the outside world a very storied career. While the stories have not always been pretty or pleasant, I am no less grateful to those...
Emperor’s New Clothes – Artfields 2016
Cate and I had such a wonderful Artfields experience this year, as we do every year. I think what makes it such a great experience are the people and the inviting atmosphere. And yes, the really cool art. Since I was asked by the organizers to present my feedback and...
Why Have Your Portrait Painted?
As part of my marketing plan, years ago, I was trying to really understand why people have their portraits painted. I was clear on why I did portraits but not so clear on what was in it for my clients. I decided to create this Feature/Benefits/Value Analysis to...
Executive Sweet
I recently had the privilege of being in attendance as my portrait was presented at a very swanky event in Detroit. The Karmanos Cancer Institute honored their outgoing Chair with an oil portrait at their annual gala. It was well received, judging from the applause....
Freedom from Identity
I've been living a double life for sometime, painting what moves, touches and inspires me, while dutifully holding on to the moniker of being a professional artist. Today, I am giving up the identity of being a professional artist. Ironically, it is also the day I'm...
Still Lives Matter
I hope you'll pardon this tasteless, though possibly clever, pun as the title to this blog. I've created a lot of still lives over the years but I've always had an odd relationship to the genre. I believe if I am going to ask someone to stare at a painting of mine it...
Under a Bushel
I've always believed God has a way of bringing certain talents to light. Experience tells me that everyone has gifts, areas of exceptional insight, something many people refer to as "talent." Some know their purpose from an early age. My sister always wanted to be a...
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
The grand arbiter of taste, who definitely would not recognize a Van Gogh if it hit them in the face. Apologies to all those who've awarded me over the years, and to those who didn't. One reason I detest authority. When I've played the role of juror, I always feel it necessary to write about each of the works, something kind and something to work on. I see the role of juror is not to judge, but uplift and encourage people who've put their heart and soul on the line.i usually pick the piece most reasonable people would agree is award worthy. I think contests should be there to support deep study and commitment to the purpose of art, which is to open our eyes to something heretofore unseen. It is the jurors job to see the artists' work, so the artists know they have been seen. ...
This content isn't available right now
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.Evil's Place, another collaboration with Nick Cerrato. I know you can't zoom in on insta so I will tell you God is pressing the devil into his place, while multiple figures reacts to the battle of good vs evil. NFS ...
Brando as Col. Kurtz in Apocalypse Now, from an iconic photo, just for fun. ...
What is talent? ...
Do check out this podcast. There may be just what you need to hear right now. ...
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This content isn't available right now
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.