A Painter's Studio Practice

Merry Christmas from Stormwater Studios

Peace on Earth

By Michel McNinch | December 23, 2023

“There is peace even in the storm.” ― Vincent van Gogh

With sincere thanks and appreciation for your interest in my painting practice, I wish you peace.

Michel

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Learning Something New

By Michel McNinch | December 16, 2023

My student and friend, Karen Murphy, shared with the Wednesday classes a bit of Art History. She told us about Wassily Kandinsky, who was an art theorist, and widely considered the “father of abstraction.” So, we gave it a whirl. It was fun letting go of the reality of form and light. We did our own take on circles and color.

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Holidays are Here

By Michel McNinch | December 10, 2023

Holidays are Here. Celebrating this week. My classes take a break in December. But, before we do, we celebrate! We gather to celebrate each other and the season.

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Robert McNinch, Leather goods

McNinch Leather Goods

By Michel McNinch | December 2, 2023

My sweet husband, Robert, is getting ready for his 2nd art show! He has been using his talents to make leather goods for 5 years now – ever since retirement. Time flies.

The big day is DEC 3 / 1-5pm

Robert’s booth will be at 1228 Shirley Street, Columbia SC. (803) 360-3144

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A Sister’s Stroll

By Michel McNinch | November 26, 2023

Recently, my sister came and spent some time with me in my studio. She took many photos, and I asked her to share them with you. It was interesting to see Stormwater from someone else’s point of view. Situated smack dab in the middle of downtown Columbia, SC, it is a thriving little oasis. Take a look.

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Stormwater Studios Open for Vista Lights 2023 - Robert got a great shot of my open door lit at night!

VISTA LIGHTS 2023 – Party Pics

By Michel McNinch | November 18, 2023

It is all over but the memories, but this year Vista Lights was a blast. Here are some of the highlights. Thank you for looking in this week. Hope you enjoyed the look into my painting practice. For those of you who stopped by and especially those who took a painting home, many thanks. It is a pleasure to paint for you.

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Light it Up!

By Michel McNinch | November 11, 2023

This week I have been getting ready for our annual Vista Lights celebration. Picking up from the framers, getting last minute pieces finished up. Cleaning the studio. I have updated my website with all available work. Here are a few new pieces that will be ready for the show.

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“The Stitches we Know,” oil, 24x30 - Collection of the Artist. My painting had me under its spell. This painting is one that has long been on my mind and in my “to be painted” file. I kept thinking it would be finished for the week’s blog post, but it wasn’t. But it is ready for you now…. “The Stitches we Know,” oil, 24x30 - Collection of the Artist The subject of the painting is my niece, Bek (a/k/a Rebekah). She was taking down her childhood room and is transitioning to her adult life. I found it poignant that her elementary days are represented and the family’s ancestral home is there as well with the picture of the widow’s walk. There are hints to her siblings and even the family’s favorite meal her Mama makes. The photo was taken as a message to me. She is holding up a granny square I crocheted for her (my stitches) while wearing a t-shirt with her “Stitch” on it. We know and think different things, but we share them with each other. So, as you can see this painting brings up many things to my heart and mind. But now dear viewer, I leave it to you. Please enjoy it however you wish. There is a video on my YouTube page that shows the process used to completed the painting. Please take a moment to view it. I have reached my first goal of 25 subscribers (no snickering!). My new goal is 100! Please share if you know anyone who would be interested in seeing the work. Insert link to YouTube Thank you for following my painting practice. It is my hope you will enjoy learning about art from a working artist’s perspective. Next up on the easel is my beloved Robert! Stay tuned. Also, completing this painting for an upcoming show. (Insert Vista Lights link.). Hashtags #Stormwaterstudios #Vistalights #holidayseason #Stitch #stitches #childhood #adulthood #oilpainting #michelmcninch #paintwhoyoulove #artlovers #paintinglovers #theviewer #figurativepainting

The Stitches We Know

By Michel McNinch | November 4, 2023

“The Stitches we Know,” oil, 24×30 – Collection of the Artist

The subject of the painting is my niece, Bek (a/k/a Rebekah). She was taking down her childhood room and is transitioning to her adult life. I found it poignant that her elementary days are represented and the family’s ancestral home is there as well with the picture of the widow’s walk. There are hints to her siblings and even the family’s favorite meal her Mama makes.

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This painting and the following three comprise a Table Rock State Park Series. It was started in one of my painting classes to show how a series of paintings can all be started on the same day and using the same palette.  This gives a great chance that the paintings will hold together as a series.  Consistent Harmony. A worthy aim.

Finished and Just Beginning

By Michel McNinch | September 30, 2023

This week my fall series of paintings were completed and I checked out the venue for an upcoming show. Let me show you… This painting and the following three comprise a Table Rock State Park Series. It was started in one of my painting classes to show how a series of paintings can all be started on the same day and using the same palette.  This gives a great chance that the paintings will hold together as a series.  Consistent Harmony. A worthy aim.

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What is this? An Update on the New Painting

By Michel McNinch | September 23, 2023

I have started a large figurative painting. It has been waiting for its turn on the easel. I gave a little hint last week. Remember this one? Here are some details I can share. NEW JIGSAW PUZZLE this week.

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There is a little lake in front of Table Rock and a small little area to explore. It is one of the most beautiful places in the whole park. Drive across the street and look for the little paths that will bring you to the lake. Don’t forget your camera.

Fall at Table Rock State Park

By Michel McNinch | September 15, 2023

Table Rock State Park has it all – cooler temperatures, historic cabins (built by Roosevelt’s CCC), and of course there is the vivid show of color during Fall! It is a landscape painter’s dream to have so many opportunities to paint. Nature lovers, camping lovers, and art lovers unite at Table Rock in the fall. Please consider supporting our beautiful park system by bringing all your family and friends out for a day to enjoy what the earth has to offer. What are your favorite parks in your area?

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Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, oil, 11x14 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, a SCDNR public land near Santee State Park and was a lovely way to spend the day. The vast natural beauty in this area is healing to my spirit. To sit in such beauty and paint is the height of my joy. It so effortlessly exists without any input from us humans. ; ) #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #Donnelley WildlifeManagementArea #SCDNR #campinglife

Santee State Park Revisited

By Michel McNinch | September 7, 2023

My time at Santee State Park resulted in many paintings over the years. Let me show you some of my paintings from my first visit there. You may have seen some of these. I am hopeful you will enjoy them this time too. : ). Santee State Park is replete with these beautiful places. It seems very holy to me. I don’t really have words to explain, but my spirit seems to connect with these places in a way nothing else does. That is why this is what I paint.

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