I’ve known Rob for over a decade. I have worked with him in several capacities.

As a father of my students, he always emphasized and prioritized the needs of his kids over his own preferences. He is a strong advocate for his children, and works hard to create the most successful learning environment for them.

As a friend, Rob has always been supportive of my own live and work. I know that I can call on him for help and good advice. He’s a good listener, and has a strong supportive shoulder to lean on.

As a musician, I have worked with Rob for many years as well. He is always professional, punctual, and generous. Not only does he follow direction extremely well, he also initiates ideas. He is a very talented musician.

Most importantly, in all aspects of our relationship, Rob is a gifted improviser. The ability to adjust and modify your ideas, plans, or direction is invaluable. Rob excels at this skill, in each of his roles. I’m grateful to have opportunities to work with him. I’m even more grateful to call him my friend.

• Director of Music

Great job to everyone!!

Amanda Hugerman

I loved the music and the words of Vincent Van Gogh!

Funny and oddly relatable…with a wonderful mixture of art forms.  I loved it!

Darleen McRacken

Very Nice! Incorporates all forms of art! Very Unique!

My wife and I rank your Vincent John Doe production, which we saw on Monday, among the shining lights of all events we have seen in a dozen years of Spoletto and Piccolo events!  The acting space, the live music to accompany live performances, and your ability to create credible art work in the fly were elements that once again reinforce: there is NOTHING to compare to live theater. We are left to contemplate, did Vincent get it better this time on his return to his age – did he now have some experiences to aid him in combating the suicidal demons which overtook him in his first life?  My wife and I like to believe that he did, and that he was able to live longer, create more, and even stumble on an artistic mentor/sponsor like the relationship between Degas and Gauguin. You are unique in that you have the artist’s hand and with prior experiences the playwright’s ability to pull this off.

It was a triumph of imagination and performance.  Loved the creating of art and music live. This is true theater and creative fun.

We put our names in the drawing for one of the spontaneous pictures you created while performing, so who knows, maybe we will have even more to remember that production than the program and our vivid memories.  Thanks from my wife Lezlie and I for the play and its marvelous performance.  Your physical resemblance to the artist only made the play better!  We have seen Van Gogh originals in museums including those at Amsterdam.  My wife and I also have been to St. Remy in France where he went for some recuperation and I have marvelous shots of a work he painted at the sanatorium, next to a photo I made of those same trees and mountains today.

We will now have to see your gallery to see what you can produce when you have time to paint without the clock of dialog to work within. As I said when we briefly shook hands at the Monday performance, “What fun!”

I actually think this work would be excellent as a novel or on film. Fabulous concept!

And the actual paintings from the actor.

I connect so much to Robert, such a complex figure in such an experiential way.

The interaction in the play is very fresh. Really enjoy the moments of reflection while “Vincent” paints.

Good Acting!

Script was engaging – Art and mental health really go together. Portraiture was inspiring.

And I mean that in the best of ways!

Actors were excellent. Pace was fantastic.

This play incorporates live music, film, and Van Gogh reproductions painted onstage. It’s an incredible story about the nature of art and its place in the world, all performed with a view of the Charleston Harbor.

Last night was off the chain!!! You nailed it, wow, thank you! My jaw is still on the ground. Just beautiful Rob!!! Enjoying all your reviews…truly heartwarming and dreamy…bringing dreams to life! A most perfect night for Piccolo Spoletto’s Vincent John Doe play Starring Rob Maniscalco as Vincent Van Gogh at the City Gallery with Karen and Jan! It was a fantastic play!!! Cheers!

Talented artist and actor – Good lines!

Very impressed!! Also, its fascinating to watch VJD paint in in real time.

Fantastic, interesting subject! 🙂

. . . of appreciating nature!

Very different and creative. Will spread the word.

Music so enhancing. Acting so well executed!

multi-dimensional nature of the play reinforces love facts. Listening the musical selections in the program would be a good idea. Perhaps just a bit shorter interludes with the voice over and briefer first scene and John Doe being taken from the streets. Some of the set could be set farther back upstage. Thank you so much!

Most amazing performance I have ever seen – so creative – watching the actor paint in the performance – the music – the quotes – all wonderful!!

I’ve never experienced anything like it! Painting and music during the play as part of the action was wonderful! Such talent is very impressive! It was a great interpretation and revival of Van Gogh and his art and philosophy! I admire his art and story as a fan. I loved the performance.

Wonderful! Great use of the gallery space. Loved the interaction with the audience. Well Done!

Enjoyed seeing three different types of works in progress at the same time. Play, music, visual art.

Kudos to All!!!!

A transplanted New Yorker, Thoroughly enjoyed the clever dialogue. Your daughter is lovely.Thanks for the great success. See you in Greenwich Village!

So poignant, beautifully written. Pleasantly, wonderfully surprised. Thank you robert!!

Insightful and thought provoking.

Amazing the bringing together of us all across time, culture and identity.

Impressive, Deep and Satisfying journey through colorful inner terrain.

Loved the cafeteria scene!

Everyone was fantastic!!

What marvelous layering of media and thoughts. Thoroughly enjoyed the thoughts, painting and acting. Thank you all.

Good mix of humor and drama. great idea to have Vincent’s thoughts in voice over, with live music, while painting.

Second time I’ve enjoyed your work as an actor on stage.

Amazingly creative! Loved the actors.

Thank you for sharing your incredible expertise and wisdom these past 4 weeks. As a portrait student, I’ve been refreshed and revived and inspired by your teaching.  Your witty way not only kakes receiving easy and fun but you are quite entertaining too! Thanks for your and Cate’s sweet hospitality. I’d endorse you any day! Artistically yours, Mary Hoffman

Can anyone resist Will Harvey? So many questions, so curious, so ready to become whatever he chooses.

I’ll stop here but I want you to know how very much I enjoyed your work and I’ll visit your site again for more of the same. R. Sue Dodea

The McDonnell girls have been captured in a split second since there is no time when they are still. The younger sister, pigtails flying, her little feet still baffled by the intricacies of walking, is nearly lost within her voluminous pink dress. She has no concern for such things, there is so much to see and do. Her older sister barely notices her, lost in her own play, her graceful arm extended as she reaches out for more, more, more of whatever this life may be. She is poised and ready, a thinker and a doer.

Next, young Carlton Campbell perched in the fork of a tree far older than he, possibly older than all of us. His face, his body, his clothing are all spotless with the inexperience of youth while the tree has been so frequently punished by nature as to seem a battered survivor, which is what we must all hope one day to be. The contrast of his perfect white little shoe that has taken so few steps with the ragged bark is a compelling image. From his expression, Master Campbell does not need to be rescued from the tree. He plans to climb many more, and bigger, and let nothing stop him in the ascent.

Tonight I was visiting M.L. Leiber’s website and he includes a link to your gallery. I thought I’d just stop by and take a glimpse. Hours later, it has been a great pleasure for me to view all of your portraits. The more of them I saw the more I could see the painter inside and outside which was a lot of fun. I don’t know how often someone tells you how much they like your work and mean they really looked at it. Add me to the list. There were several portraits that just enchanted me and make me want to show them to someone else and say “Look at this, look how he posed this, look at the light, the hand, the draping of cloth, the child’s doll — ” These are the portraits I’ll come back to see.

Thank you for the wonderful painting that graces our hearth. Roman Madgidenko

Thanks to Rob Maniscalco for sharing his artistic gift with us. We really love the portrait and can’t wait for friends and family to see it. We know that it will remain in our family forever. It captures the essence of Ryan and CJ at a very special time in their lives and we are so very pleased with the detail and quality of the portrait. Rob Maniscalco is truly gifted and we are thankful that he lent his talent and professionalism to us. Jeanette Franck

Kay’s beautiful portrait sure served a timely purpose! It’s presence at her funeral was really special. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to walk by it in our hallway several times a day. Loving regards, Bill Ward

E Ray Scott

Rob, a formal ‘thank you’ for the fine job you did on my portrait. It was quite obvious that there were many, many other issues going on in my life at the time. I didn’t fully appreciate the artistry of your efforts…not only in painting skills, but the ability to shed pounds as well! I have received numerous compliments. You know full well that it would not have come to fruition without the perseverance of E Ray and you. Robert O’Leary

Please forgive this somewhat impersonal method of communication but I wanted to contact you quickly. I am John Diebel’s brother and I just received your magnificent portrait of my son and me in our surgical attire. I was overcome by the fact that you captured so well the relationship. He was not only my son but also my colleague, confidant and best friend. We worked closely together in our medical practice for five years. I was truly blessed to have had this kind of a relationship with my son for the time that we had. Unfortunately, life takes some unexpected turns and his life was cut tragically short. Again, thank you so much for applying your gifts and talents to memorializing my son. Sincerely, N. Donald Diebel, Sr., MD

Every time I look at those portraits, I think of the genius you are. Peter and Elizabeth look just like they did then. The detail in Sarah’s is amazing. Beth Dixon

Russell and I would like to thank you for the portrait you did of me. I know that I will never have anything like it ever again. It’s very special to us and we so appreciate all of the hard works that you put into it. God Bless, Good Health, Jen Bartolotas

I am thrilled and delighted with the portraits of my grandchildren and so is everyone who sees them, especially the children. Thank you for a job well done. Mae Gallagher

Excerpts from the speech given at the official presentation of Professor Joseph Grano’s portrait to the Wayne State Law School in 2003: On behalf of my family I thank you all for coming to my father’s portrait unveiling. . . I want to acknowledge Robert Maniscalco for the fine work he did in painting my father’s portrait. Robert demonstrated such professionalism in this portrait. He captured the essence of dad without ever meeting him. He spent much time hearing stories, looking at pictures, and building the persona in his mind so that his portrait could radiate dad’s character. . . This portrait will enlighten students and faculty to how important teaching was to him. It will also acquaint new students with the kind of professors Wayne Law desires. . . Finally, let me offer these words. As a current prospective law student whose traveled to many schools, I have not paid close attention to the portraits in the school’s halls. However, after considering what my father’s portrait says about the professors of Wayne, I realize the men and women whose portraits are hanging on the walls of a school are as much a part of the law school as the ones in the class rooms. In the next few months, I will consider schools’ legacies by paying closer attention to the portraits in their halls.  Daniel Grano

I took an oil painting course from Robert through his studio gallery. I probably learned more in six weeks than I did throughout 6 years of college when it came to painting technique. Robert was accessible, personable, patient, enthusiastic and communicated a great deal of information in an easy, fluid manner. He has an astute eye, a quick and engaging mind, and is well-educated in many aspects of the arts including theater, music, and writing. He is a Renaissance man without pretense and willingly shares his knowledge with ease and likable informality. I recommend him highly. Anne Garavaglia

Just need to let you know how much I enjoyed your introduction to me of the Reilly Method of Painting and your Power Palette approach to predetermining hues and values! Freedom is the result of this structure! As we paint and enter the flow of the visual communication between the artist and the model, having the power palette permits color selections and modification without gaps in the flow. The Creative Energy can stay higher! Thank you for keeping the Masters’ Secrets alive for a new generation of painters!…Cessily Thalacker

Just wanted to thank you again for your artist talk last week at your gallery. Your generous lending of knowledge, expertise and forthright encouragement was a much appreciated and valuable to this learning artist. You are a very articulate communicator. Juribi Young

Thank you for such a wonderful workshop here on Salt Cay island. You are an inspiring teacher and will be a hard act to follow. All the best for your new gallery. We miss you…Candy Herwin

On behalf of Leadership Oakland, thank you for all your help in making this year’s Art & Entertainment Session so successful. The session was very highly rated with some great input and kudos as well. Your valuable insight and experience really impacted our participants and helped them understand issues facing businesses, organizations and our community. Dawn D. Magrett, Exectuvie Director

During the two-hour drive home from the Raleigh workshop, I had time to review all of the valuable information you provided. I am anxious to put these new ideas to practical use in my studio. I know now that those first strong, decisive strokes I apply to canvas are the same ones I end up blending away. You will perch on my shoulder as I paint. I’ll hear you say, “Stop apologizing!” and “Lose some of those edges!” From now on, I’ll allow most of the mosaic brushstrokes to remain and carefully choose which strokes should blur into others. You confirmed the things I kinda/sorta already knew, but didn’t quite know what to do about them. This insight has given me more confidence. Of the many workshops I’ve attended, I have to say that yours is my favorite. Donna Claybrook

Just wanted to let you know that your workshop has worked miracles for me!!!! I was still having a little trouble so I decided to watch your DVD! Wow! It’s like a Kleig Light went off in my head! Everything I ever learned anywhere suddenly made sense! Value is Key! (But you do choose warm and cool over hue! I’ve noticed!) I am no longer plagued by muddy color! I’ll send you a pic as proof once it dries a little more and I can add a few glazes to the background. You told me you would help me and you did! Karen Silvestro

Just a note to thank you for sharing your incredible expertise and wisdom these past four weeks in our portrait painting class.  As a portrait student, I’ve been refreshed and revived and inspired by your teaching.  Your witty way not only makes receiving easy and fun but you are quite entertaining too!  Thanks for yours and Cate’s sweet hospitality.  I’d endorse you any day, Artistically yours, Mary Hoffman

Painting class was an eye opener today… I thought I was out of my league but with the right teacher anyone can be a beautiful creator. Thank you to my art instructor Rob Maniscalco!  Alicia Mendoza Barrineau

The Paint with Wine party was wonderful for us, thank you for opening your home to us and letting us invade your life!  Your patience, sense of humor and talent are abundant and for that, we are very grateful. We will pass along recommendations to all those we encounter, trusting in the knowledge your class kicks ass above and beyond those painting party factories!!!  See you soon, Tracy

We had such a blast! And Rob Maniscalco is an awesome teacher! We all want to come back for sure.  Shauna Mackenzie VanBogart

I have been to other BYOB Painting Parties before, but this was the best! It was an honor and privilege to be in the presence and being instructed by a true artist like Robert Maniscalco!  Both he and his wife were so gracious and entertaining. I want to go and take private lessons with him in the future. Marian Mills

I am impressed by your book, Point of Art, and I have read, underlined and included your words in my art journal.  So many times you condensed and verbalized my thoughts and feelings about art and the creative process.  I even found the line on page 61, in “The Easy Way vs the Right Way,” to describe your workshop in Chapin.  You gave us “the necessary information presented in a way we can understand and assimilate.”  You presented in an extremely entertaining, fun, non-intimidating, and fact-filled manner.  Your comments throughout the two day workshop were as important and informative as the more concrete methods you taught.  Jean S. Kirkley.

I just wanted to let you know that I have already gotten so much out of our sessions. I see much improvement in my paintings and my drawings. I see more than I did before meeting with you. I realize I need to slow down (way down) and focus on every foundational element you have taught me one step at a time. Thank you so much for your time and accommodations, it is exactly what I need! I am a huge admirer of your work, especially “Quench.” I am excited to learn from you as an artist. I enjoy exploring your studio work as well as your website. Sarah Harris

We will tune in on The Today Show on Thursday and can not wait till the day. Wow! How exciting for you and my hope is that the world finds out about your wonderful gift. We treasure every one of our portraits and today it’s the one thing we would stand heartbroken if we had a fire. So David took out a new insurance plan to replace the one we had.

Michael absolutely LOVED the portrait! I am so relieved. I really was very nervous about giving it to him-I was afraid it was egotistical of me but he actually said “after years of asking you finally gave it to me!” ( I think I told you he had wanted professional photos, etc. and I never had them done). He told me today that he is “obsessed” with commissioned artwork now and says he eventually wants one of all three of us together. This could not have gone any better and I really appreciate so much everything you have done. The more I look at the portrait, the more I love it. You really did do an amazing job. THANK YOU!!!!

I hope this email finds you and your family doing well. I wanted to touch base with you in regards to the portrait you did for my wife and I of our two daughters back around 2003. I was excited to see it featured on your web site. Your portrait of our girls continues to be the focal point of our living room and both Jill and I enjoy it daily. Your skill and mastery went beyond capturing just their likeness by also capturing their respective personalities. The painting is truly a treasured item for us.

Aubrey

I love showing the portraits off. Everyone thinks they are amazing. It’s funny most people think that Bennett’s is right on and Audrey’s is

Bennett

okay. But then there are others that think the exact opposite. Everyone has an opinion. All that matters is that I LOVE THEM, you have captured my babies on canvas and I am so grateful. They are framed and look great.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We all LOVE the portrait. It will be our treasured family heirloom forever. Thank you!!!!!

The department just unveiled your portrait of our previous Chair, Jan Lage. WONDERFUL.  I worked with her for almost 5 years and I think you caught more than just her appearance; you captured her personality.  She was a super Chair for this department but a frank, kind, informal person.  You got it.  Thanks.

THEY LOVE THE PORTRAITS! Thank you so much. So much joy on their faces when they saw what a beautiful job you did!

I have experienced firsthand the wonderfully positive influence of having one of your portraits of myself influencing and inspiring my own dreams and self confidence. When I feel challenged, or worse, I look at that portrait and think, “she can do it! She can get through this, overcome this, win this battle.” Thank you, Robert Maniscalco for reminding me of who I really am.  

Quench challenges the reader to experience a very unfamiliar and risky trip to Haiti to help with the water supply. The author provides us with visuals and thought provoking words in a way seldom seen. It was not an easy trip but on with immeasurable rewards. This book deserves the highest rating on any scale.

I am so pleased with the improvement in my painting that was visible immediately as a result of your instruction. You do the critiques so candidly and without allowing personalities to effect your comments. I will certainly recommend you and your workshops whenever possible. — Brenda Delle

I absolutely got my money’s worth! Now I know I can paint a face & all the parts will be in the right place! Painting the P3 way is a lot of fun! — Caroline Goodman