Portraiture Blog
Beauty
As I approach the first anniversary of y marriage to Cate (June 1), I am re-sharing the poem I wrote soon after we reconnected. In that moment, I realized I'd found the love of my life. I pray for all who long for love to know it's waiting for you too, if you are...
Drawing for Smart People
Here's some advice for all you really smart people who want to be able to draw what you see: Dumb it down a bit. Great painters have more in common with magicians than with detectives. See less, rather than more. Don't show off your sexy curves. Curves are where...
Which Came First, the Art or the Artist?
A friend posted, "you don't have to be an artist to create art." Yes, I suppose if you created art that would qualify you as an artist. But only an artist can create art. Most people simply aren't willing to risk looking foolish in the attempt and will never rise to...
Orphan Relief Gala Performance Painting
Orphan Relief Gala and beautiful people I performed this sketch of Mary Playing the Violin at the Lowcountry Orphan Relief Gala, last evening, where it was auctioned off to raise money for first responders in cases of child abuse here in Charleston. I was given the...
Be a Con Artist
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." Pablo Picasso Here's the ugly truth about being an artist. Actually, its not really so ugly, once you get over the initial shock. It's your job to convince me, the art lover/collector, that you know...
When is Faster Better?
Here's today's first quick sketch, redeemed by the owner of GoCharlestonDeals.com. There are about three days left to get your sketches in, at half price. Check out that G0CharlestonDeals link above for more info about the deal. I find the element of time to be...
Clearance Sale of Female Forms
We are making an exclusive studio clearance offer of Female Forms to Maniscalco BLOG subscribers. This will be your only opportunity to acquire these artworks at these well-below market prices. This offer will also be extended to close friends and those you may...
Fighting the Good Fight
"A man paints with his brains and not with his hands." Michelangelo Buonarroti Try explaining this to a fellow who's just spent $350 on art supplies, thinking if only he had the right brush, all his troubles would be over. His masterpiece is always around the...
Figure Painting Session
What interests me most is neither still life nor landscape: it is the human figure. Henri Matisse We had another figure drawing session at my studio last evening. Lots of fun. I have logged countless hours in front of the figure and always learning. These were two...
The Vernissage of The Real Princess Kate Portrait
The Real Princess Kate Portrait Last evening we had the much anticipated Vernissage of Cate's portrait "The Real Princess Kate," surrounded by dear friends. Now it is time to share it with the world. Click to see the finished portrait (She's in the center) The...



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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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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.Behind the Scene 11x 14″ original #oilpainting on linen, framed by the artist. A behind the scenes look at the glorious #sunflower, the great back actor. This is a continuation of my micro series where we take a closer look at #Common objects found in #nature. this is an homage to the iconic Van Gogh #painting with the similar perspective of the underneath of a Sunflower. ... See MoreSee Less