More from Before

Mar 10, 2023

Let me show you a few paintings of my students from my Alternative Academy years. Click any image to have a closer look.

"Say What?," pastel, 16x20, These two students were kind enough to listen to me every now and then. Mike is a music mogul now; wish I knew where Ronnie got to.
“Say What?,” pastel, 16×20, These two students were kind enough to listen to me every now and then. Mike is a music mogul now; wish I knew where Ronnie got to. I won a ribbon at the State Fair on this one.
This child is still in my life! He is a fine young man with children of his own.
“Roheem,” pastel on sand paper, 8×10. This child is still in my life! He is a fine young man with children of his own.
"Fierce Pierce," pastel, 24x36 - Her we have John - His senior year. What a strong young kid he was. Went into the service and married someone who loves him. Always been proud of him
“Fierce Pierce,” pastel, 24×36 – John – His senior year. What a strong young kid he was. Went into the service and married someone who loves him. Always been proud of him. This one won a couple of awards.
"Kenneth," 18x24, charcoal, Kenneth is an artist - and now so are his kids!
“Kenneth,” 18×24, charcoal, Kenneth has always been an artist – and now so are his kids!
"Nate the Great," pastel, 24x36, Oh boy! Nate was a handful! Funny too. We had some good times and he made it out alive. I won a blue ribbon on this painting THREE times!
“Nate the Great,” pastel, 24×36, Oh boy! Nate was a handful! Funny too. We had some good times, and he made it out alive. I won a blue ribbon on this painting THREE times! It is in a very nice collection also.

No painting this week. Tested positive for Covid. See you next week.

Michel

Time to listen to a good book is the only good thing about being sick.

Posted in , ,

16 Comments

  1. mary on March 11, 2023 at 9:52 am

    Life on Life’s terms!



    • Michel McNinch on March 11, 2023 at 10:16 am

      yes!



  2. AJ on March 11, 2023 at 9:55 am

    You really are/have always been a master with the pastel. It’s always been one of my favorite mediums!



    • Michel McNinch on March 11, 2023 at 10:16 am

      Thank you. It is like painting with fairy dust.



  3. Virginia on March 12, 2023 at 9:04 am

    These are terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Thank you!



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:07 pm

      Thank you, Virginia.



  4. Robert McNinch on March 12, 2023 at 9:18 am

    Absolutly Stunning !



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:07 pm

      So sweet. If I had to be sick with anyone, I’m glad it’s you!



  5. Roxanne on March 12, 2023 at 9:27 am

    It’s when someone can really SEE you that it makes all of the difference in our lives



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      You have that gift! Thanks for seeing me. Will be back soon.



  6. Jimmy Lee on March 12, 2023 at 9:48 am

    Beautiful. Your portrait are so lovely. You’ve hidden this talent from us. Hope y’all are getting better. Love y’all



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      We are getting better. Won’t be long now. Love you too.



  7. Alice on March 12, 2023 at 11:32 am

    Please recover quickly and fully! These portraits are remarkable! I especially love So What and Nate the Great. So refreshing and heartening to see Black men and boys in art. Love you.



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:05 pm

      Thank you so much, Alice. We are recovering and will soon be on the other side of this virus. I love painting black skin. So much more to see.



  8. Amy on March 12, 2023 at 1:35 pm

    Such beautiful portraits, Michel! You are indeed a master of pastels! Hope you and Robert are soon recovered!



    • Michel McNinch on March 15, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      Thank you, Amy. We are getting a little better each day. I don’t think we have ever been sick at the same time! It’s an adventure.



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
"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