Nature as Seen Through a Temperament

Mar 19, 2022

Corot said that art is “nature as seen through a temperament.”

This week I want to share with you two paintings from the same sunset. So much is different about them, even though the subject matter remains the same. The one on top is softer and larger. The second one is smaller and rough and ready – brazen color and brush strokes. The only thing that was different was me and my temperament. This is why some say that you get a little piece of the artist with each original work. Our spirit is recorded right there.

“Lake Murray Evening,” oil, 8×10

“Light Show – Lake Murray Collection,” oil, 5×7,

Taking in a Different View

While the sunsets are spectacular, the lake offers beauty at every turn. Here is a favorite fishing hole. When the mayflies come and hang in the willows, the bream are bedding close underneath this willow tree. Where? I’ll never tell.

“Fishing Hole,” oil, 8×10, This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reddot.png

Here is Another Temperament Altogether

“Something’s Brewing,” oil, 6×8, This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reddot.png

This is a study for a larger painting still to come. I started it on the night of my husband’s hip surgery as a distraction. Interesting subject matter I picked that night. It is part of my Sullivan’s Island collection. I am particularly interested in the weather – blue skies or torrential rain? Is it coming or going? Stay tuned.

You First

These paintings are available to you first. On Tuesday, March 22, they will be offered to the general public as well. Thanks for your interest in my painting. It is a pleasure to share it with you.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is reddot.png Indicates that the painting has been collected. : )

The paintings are sold unframed unless otherwise noted, but I have some nice framing options this week.

Michel

P.S. When looking at art, don’t forget to think of the artist’s temperament as it was created.

Posted in

10 Comments

  1. Tina on March 20, 2022 at 10:31 am

    What a fabulous point !!! It really helped me look at the paintings differently! Thanks for sharing your beautiful temperaments 💚



    • Michel on March 20, 2022 at 11:15 am

      Thank you so much! You kind words will stay with me.



  2. I. Carson on March 20, 2022 at 11:16 am

    I love what you do. Even your stormy clouds show your gentle personality.



    • Michel McNinch on March 20, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      Thank you, Ingrid. I’m only gentle when you are around! : ). Miss you much.



  3. Ellen on March 20, 2022 at 11:59 am

    Michel thank you for sharing your art and insights. I’m really enjoying these blogs and all your new work.



    • Michel McNinch on March 20, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      Hey Ellen! Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. I am getting the hang of blogging and really enjoy being able to speak to folks more directly about my paintings. It’s fun!



  4. Robert on March 20, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    Beautiful skies! Each painting takes me somewhere unique in time and location.



    • Michel McNinch on March 20, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks, honey. I love you. : )



  5. Jeannie Irvin on March 22, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    I love ALL of theses Michel!!! I totally understand, I see your mood in each one!, “Something’s Brewing”, concern for your hubbys operation, Fishing Hole”,peace and calm,2 Lake Murray one’s,contentment and happy memories of a place you love. Thank you for sharing a part of you.🖼🎨💕



    • McNinch Michel on March 28, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      Thank you so much, Jeannie – You get it! : )



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.
"Spring Up," 12x12, oil on gold leaf. Original painting by Michel McNinch of Columbia, South Carolina.
Subscribe Now