Fresh Canvas

Feb 4, 2024
A fresh canvas with a fresh idea makes me so happy

This week finds me at the beginning of a new canvas. I love the promise of a fresh start. After preparing the canvas surface with a layer of oil primer (to make it less porous), I begin with sketching the major foundational shapes with charcoal. All the while, I am planning my methods and color scheme. Will I layer in glazes? Directly paint with no build up? Which pinks? Which blues?

I decided to block in with cool colors and glaze over with the pinks and salmons once it has dried (in about a week). Working in my studio at Stormwater Studios is such a sublime pleasure. Behind me is a large glass rollup door that provides beautiful light to work by. Have a great book on Audible too.

The home studio is crawling with artwork. My metal leaf series is coming alive with fresh critters all the time. Channeling my inner Beatrix Potter.

Yellow bellied slider on gold metal leaf - Michel McNinch
Yellow Bellied Slider in it’s final phase. Just a few adjustments and he’s off the easel.
Friendly river otter makes his first appearance.
This friendly River Otter makes his first appearance on the easel.
A cute face and a fresh start. A new painting of a River Otter begins.
A cute face and a fresh start. A new painting of a River Otter begins.

Hope you enjoyed this little peek into the process. It really is hard work that is filled with pleasure. One stroke at a time I have the opportunity to share my point of view – where I have been and what I have seen. It really is a worthy endeavor. Thank you for looking in each week. I am so happy to share this with you.

Michel

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8 Comments

  1. Dawn Reardon on February 4, 2024 at 11:24 am

    How exciting! So looking forward to seeing how the ocean comes to life!
    The river otter ❤️



    • Michel McNinch on February 4, 2024 at 2:32 pm

      It will be a good lesson on glazing.



  2. Dianne Meadow on February 4, 2024 at 12:36 pm

    Beautiful beginning! Can’t wait to see what happens when you glaze over the blues!



    • Michel McNinch on February 4, 2024 at 2:32 pm

      Me too! I never know what I am going to get – just a guess. Fun, fun, fun.



  3. Robert Lide McNinch on February 4, 2024 at 2:18 pm

    I love watching the ones at home come to life, I can’t wait to see the one at Stormwater!



    • Michel McNinch on February 4, 2024 at 2:33 pm

      Your dremel has been a revelation.



  4. Maya Smith on February 4, 2024 at 7:33 pm

    You work inspires me to paint. I might need a lesson from you. I love to see you are working in both studios!!!! Living the dream. Thank you for sharing with us all.



    • Michel McNinch on February 5, 2024 at 10:47 pm

      I appreciate your kind words. Thank you.



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