Enjoy the Process

Feb 27, 2022

I am a traditional artist. I paint the world around me with oils on canvas or panel. Don’t know how it gets any more traditional than that. People, places, and animals inspire me to paint. Every artist has a process they enjoy the most. This is part of my process, and I hope you might enjoy seeing it.

Click images to enlarge… I’m getting the hang of this!

Stacks of canvas lean every which way as they dry or wait another turn on the easel.
My work literally surrounds me.
Stacks of canvases lean this way and that while drying or
waiting for another turn on the easel.

On the easel…

Lots of decisions made. What image? What size? What Canvas? What colors? Where will it hang? Will the composition hold together? Can I pull it off again?
Lots of decisions made. What image? What size? What Canvas? What colors? Where will it hang? Will the composition hold together? Can I pull it off again?
Look at all that juicy cobalt with manganese blue and tinted with white!
Look at all that juicy cobalt with manganese blue and tinted with white!

A Study in Blue

I decided to paint a cloud study. I am analyzing color, light, and having a little fun to see what works. I love all the stages the painting went through. Looking at them is like remembering a good conversation.

Click images to enlarge.

It started with a plein air sketch that was unresolved. It was perfect for practicing clouds.
It started with a plein air sketch that was unresolved. It was perfect for practicing clouds.
Created the new cloud forms
Created the new cloud forms
Finding the anchor lights and darks
Finding the anchor lights and darks
Bringing the clouds forward
Bringing the clouds forward
Getting a little too wet.
Getting a little too wet.
Had to slow down and see clearly
Had to slow down and see clearly

“A work of art is the trace of a magnificent struggle.” 

― Robert Henri, The Art Spirit“

Thank you for viewing my work.

Michel

Posted in

4 Comments

  1. McNinch Robert on February 27, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    Robert



  2. Jeannie on February 27, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Michel, Michel, Michel!!!!!!!! YOU inspire me🖼💗🦪🎨!!!!! Your paintings make me happy!💕 I can see into your soul in your paintings and feel your love of creating art from beginning to end🎨 You are MY inspiration and I thank you for sharing your MASTERPIECE with me!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the clouds and sea!💗Love you!



    • Michel McNinch on February 27, 2022 at 4:29 pm

      Oh Jeannie! Thank you so very much. I am happy that my paintings inspire yours. I love your paintings so much I have three in my house on the walls right now! : )



  3. Michel Collins. Mickey’s on February 27, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    Clouds, water, marsh grass!!! My slice of heaven!!



Share this post

Recent Posts

Consistent blog posting took a hit; missed 3 weeks! My sincere apologies. 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
"Helios," 48x24, oil on canvas. Minor revisions gave this painting a little more drama. Am I finished? I'll look at it this week and decide.
"Blue Mesa Memory," 24x48, oil on canvas. This is the final painting. It has been in my studio on and off the easel for a long time. It is finally ready to sing it's song.
Subscribe Now