Flower Season is Over

"Pink Roses in a Turquoise Glass Vase," oil, 11x14

Charlie kept checking in; “are you finished yet?” This one took a little time. I never know when a painting will be finished. It just takes the time it takes. Not very 21st century… Ah well, it was enjoyable – there is that. I started with a oil sketch and went to a larger canvas for the final painting. Love this vase. Will definitely paint it again. Flower Season is over in my studio – at least for now. Let me show you the last of the series. Hope you enjoy looking at this process.

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The Fruits of Her Labor

This beautiful bouquet came from our new pollinator garden at Stormwater Studios.  Karen Murphy is our designer, and these flowers are the fruits of her labor.  In addition to being a master naturalist, she is also my student and my friend.  The bouquet was so varied and vibrant.  It was the first bouquet from this beautiful new garden.  All this made it very fun to paint.  #pollinatorgarden #karenmurphy #paintflorals #stormwaterstudios

This beautiful bouquet came from our new pollinator garden at Stormwater Studios.  Karen Murphy is our designer, and these flowers are the fruits of her labor.  In addition to being a master naturalist, she is also my student and my friend.  The bouquet was so varied and vibrant.  It was the first bouquet from this beautiful new garden.  All this made it very fun to paint. 

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Roses ready to share

"Homegrown Roses," 11x14, oil, $450, original painting of pink roses grown by the painter's husband. Michel McNInch, artist.

Mama always said I’d be an artist, but she didn’t tell me there were gonna be days like this. Self-imposed deadlines are the worst, but they get the job done. I wanted to be able to share one of the rose bouquet paintings with you today. They are all almost completed; here is the first in the series. Robert grew these roses, and they were spectacular. So glad I took the opportunity to paint them. I love this classic color combination.

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I Missed You Last Week

As this applies to my painting practice, it has changed my direction. I have been working (albeit slowly) on my flower paintings. I’m going to turn them to the wall for now and start something new. I don’t want to tell you about it yet, because I am preserving my energy and thoughts about it. As soon as it is underway, I will share it with you.

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Happy Collectors and Happy Artists

My dearly beloved grew these beautiful and fragrant roses. Studios Roses Michel McNinch

It is such a loving thing to do – having confidence in someone. My collector knew I could and would paint my best for her. It was such a pleasure. She now has two new heirlooms to present to her family. Oh Happy Day! Painting continues on the florals. A great way to start the summer. I might have to make it part of my annual celebration of Spring!

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Time Flies if You are Having Fun!

"Lake Wateree Oasis," 18x24, oil

Time has flown by this week. The Lake Wateree painting is completed and headed to the framer. My classes have paused for the summer; we finished up this week. And today – May 28, 2023 – Robert and I have been married for 40 years! We are celebrating by doing what we have always done – anything we want! : ) It is quite the indulgence. Here’s a look into the studio this week.

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Painting Time is a Pleasure

Why draw the roses in with purple? It blends well with rose.

This week I got down to the basics of painting. Fresh paint and clean brushes have done their work. Getting close to finished on the Lake Wateree painting and continuing the floral paintings by adding the florals! : ) Here are the next steps in the process of creating the paintings.

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A Painting Studio in Springtime

Everything in my studio is reflecting this beautiful Spring. I have begun laying in the colors in my Lake Wateree landscape. My favorite paints were involved. Also, with all the beautiful Spring bouquets, it was time for a class demonstration on how to paint a glass vase filled with stems and water. Don’t forget to check in on Frida and Charlie – Spring has been exciting for them too!

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For Generations to Come

I have been working on portraits of a family that loves one another. Mother and Daughter adore each other. Four generations of men smile as they play with the newest generation among them. These paintings exude their happiness to be in each other’s company. It was a pleasure to paint them. The generations to come will have their own art, but this generation can teach by example to enjoy, create, love, and collect the art that connects with us. Thank you for being here to witness my contribution this week.

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