Portraits – Past and Present

Feb 18, 2023

It has been so long ago that some of you may not know that I spent many years working on nothing but portraits. It seems like a long time ago now. While I am working on my new portrait project, I thought you might like to join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present.

Firstly, here is the portrait I told you about last week. I painted Little John’s father when he was a tot. I think he is the littlest one in the middle.

Join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present. Michel McNinch
Neal Grandchildren

Here are a few other favorites.

Join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present. Michel McNinch
“Not So Bad Leroy Brown,” pastel, McNinch

Leroy Brown is quite a character on Cayman Brac. He looks big and bad; he is actually a kind and gentle soul. Always made us feel welcome when we visited “The Brac.”

Join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present. Michel McNinch
“Tracy in a Great Light,” pastel by Michel McNinch

Tracy was one of my students at the Alternative Academy. She was a smart, strong girl. Hope she is out there somewhere doing well. : )

"Summer Job," pastel painting by Michel McNinch. Join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present. Michel McNinch
“Summer Job,” pastel, Michel McNinch

This young man looked so beautiful against all the family’s produce at the State Farmer’s Market. His parents were there and gave me permission to photograph him. See his grandfather in the back?

So, this week I am working on more history. In conjunction with “Little John and his Kingly Court,” I am painting “Mama and Bud.” These two adore each other. It is a pleasure to paint them. Here they come… I thought you might like to see some of the process. I grid out the portrait – especially the faces – to get everything in the right place. Here is where it is at!

"Mama and Bud," pastel, in process, Michel McNinch. Join me looking down memory lane for portraits past and present. Michel McNinch
“Mama and Bud,” pastel, in process, Michel McNinch

Thank you for joining me. Will let you know how it goes.

Michel

Michel McNinch
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21 Comments

  1. Jimmy Lee on February 18, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    Loved these. You so Bad. Looking forward to seeing the latest



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 11:25 am

      Thanks Jimmy! Are you back from the Dakotas? So cold!! Thanks for the kind words about my post this week. I know I am bad, but only when it feels good. : )



  2. Robert McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 9:18 am

    I love “Summer Job “! Leroy Brown brought back fond memories. Awesome work.



    • Wilma R King on February 19, 2023 at 10:09 am

      I loved joining you on this walk through your wonderful portraits. WONDERFUL!



      • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 11:25 am

        Thank you so much Wilma! I am so glad you are here!



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 7:35 pm

      So many pastels, so many years. Thanks for being there for each and every one of them. That’s a long time buddy!



    • Ann Fosberry on February 26, 2023 at 8:34 am

      me too!



  3. Roxanne on February 19, 2023 at 9:24 am

    Love seeing the process! The portraits are vibrant!



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 11:27 am

      Thank you. I miss painting people! Gonna have to do some more.



  4. Virginia on February 19, 2023 at 9:26 am

    These are fabulous, Michel !
    Thank you for sharing them…



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 11:28 am

      Thank you, Virginia! Hard to believe I have had a 30 year career already. I have just gotten started good.



  5. Susan Neal on February 19, 2023 at 10:59 am

    I am loving watching these come to life. You are a treasure and I will treasure our portraits . I love you SO much!!!



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 11:31 am

      I am thoroughly enjoying painting them for you. I think of all the love and laughter we have shared over the years.



  6. Donna Rawls on February 19, 2023 at 1:55 pm

    YOU’RE THE BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 6:20 pm

      It feels good that you think so! It is coming back slowly. haha



  7. Dianne Meadow on February 19, 2023 at 5:20 pm

    Awesome! Can’t wait to see more!



    • Michel McNinch on February 19, 2023 at 6:21 pm

      Thanks! Wish it wasn’t so stinking hard.



  8. Patricia Riddle Wilcox on February 20, 2023 at 11:46 am

    These are so good Michel. For whatever it’s worth, yo me it’s worth a lot, this is an impromptu painting you did of me in class !!
    Though my hair is red no longer, this painting means so much. I was the first year without my dear and precious husband of 25 years. I threw myself into art and produced some of my best work under your tutorage!!



    • Michel on February 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      That is so very wonderful. I remember our time together fondly. You are awesome – don’t forget it! Love you.



  9. Christina Laffey on February 21, 2023 at 11:40 am

    You know, I always look forward to seeing all of your work, but seeing the one of Susan and her mom just really brightens my morning and my heart! How fabulous 🙂



    • Michel McNinch on February 21, 2023 at 8:39 pm

      awwww



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