A Painter's Studio Practice

Soothing my Distraction

By Michel McNinch | March 4, 2023

I have been distracted by the Murdaugh murders. A sketchbook and a few supplies have been my companions while watching the trial. While being riveted to the trial, I needed to hold on to a thread of love. So, I drew and painted my cats – past and present. It was a touchstone to pure, fresh, and beautiful love while listening to the gruesome and spellbinding evidence. My cats have been a source of great love and comfort.

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The vibrant colors are a perfect reflection of their vibrant personalities. Teal and Fuchsia are perfect! Portraits - progress and preparation

Portraits – Progress and Preparation

By Michel McNinch | February 25, 2023

Happy to say the preliminary drawings have been completed for the two portraits. Here’s the Kingly Court I have been telling you about. All smiles. I am looking forward to working on these images and sharing them with you. Thanks for sticking around and seeing how it progresses.

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"Tracy in a Great Light," pastel by Michel McNinch

Portraits – Past and Present

By Michel McNinch | February 18, 2023

It has been so long ago that some of you may not know that I spent a decade working on nothing but portraits. Weird to even for me to “look back,” because 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.

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Old Friends and New Ideas

By Michel McNinch | February 10, 2023

Old Friends and New Ideas. It is time to dust off some old friends and get them moving again! Pastels were my medium of choice for many years. I missed them! Pastels are almost pure pigment. Scraped across a beautiful piece of cotton paper, they can leave strong, beautiful marks. They can also be as soft and delicate as a butterfly’s wing.

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Camille Pissarro is an inspiration

By Michel McNinch | February 2, 2023

Camille Pissarro is an inspiration. A French Impressionist who helped change painting forever. Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet organized the first Impressionist Exhibition (A complete history of the 8 Impressionist Exhibits). Pissarro was the only artist to be in all eight. In his work you can see change of seasons, change of atmosphere, and his life long love affair with how light affects color.

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A Few More from the Road

By Michel McNinch | January 29, 2023

Trees to and from Stockbridge were so very beautiful. I painted two when I got home. Finished just this morning. Ironic that today is very much overcast and wet like it was there, just considerably warmer. I am grateful! This will be the final chapter in this trip to the Berkshires, but am planning another trip in the fall.

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Old Growth Trees in Winter

By Michel McNinch | January 21, 2023

Surrounded by the winter landscape, I was drawn to the old growth trees. Looking at them without their leaves gives insight into their shape, color, and texture. Evidence of good times and bad as they continue to grow.

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The Berkshire Theatre Group

By Michel McNinch | January 14, 2023

My first time in New England was a hit! Visiting treasured family, monumental theaters, and a new landscape for me to explore. I am completely inspired.

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Mount Jackson on a Cloudy Day

Paintings from the Road

By Michel McNinch | January 6, 2023

Don’t you love a road trip? Everything was new to us; absolutely exciting. Connecting with a new landscape on the road. I carry a mobile studio and paint every chance I get – when I am not knitting socks.

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Happy New Year!

By Michel McNinch | December 31, 2022

Hope this note finds you celebrating the new year ahead! Thank you so very much for your support in 2022.

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Season’s Greetings!

By Michel McNinch | December 24, 2022

Hope you and your loved ones are sharing joy and laughter this season. I look forward to sharing stories when I see you again.

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Small gift with large gold satin bow

Just What You Always Wanted

By Michel McNinch | December 17, 2022

A while back I painted a series of gifts. As the series progressed, the gifts became symbolic to me. I chose one of the paintings from the series to keep for myself. This painting, “Just What You Always Wanted,” is symbolic of my life as an artist.

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