Questions for Mary

Apr 30, 2022

I have a list of questions for Mary that I never got to ask. A very important part of a painting practice is having a mentor you trust and will give you honest answers. Mary Gilkerson was that for me and countless others. We lost her this month.

I am determined to use what she taught me and not waste a morsel of the wisdom that she shared. Here is a link to one of her videos that is particularly meaningful (notice date – March 13, 2020). She was passionate about the art community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRXgHoLKkA

I was fortunate to spend a day painting with Mary on the Congaree River. It was pouring down rain, but we pushed on to the shelter where we set up and painted for a few hours. It was time well spent. Here are my paintings from that day.

"Rainy River Monday," oil, 8x10, Michel McNinch - Questions for Mary
“Rainy River Monday I,” oil, 8×10, click image to enlarge
"Rainy River Monday II," oil, 8x10, Michel McNinch - Questions for Mary
“Rainy River Monday II,” oil, 8×10, click image to enlarge

I will always have questions for Mary, but am so very grateful for all the wisdom she shared with me. The last thing she told us was, “You have what it takes.” Thank you, Mary. See you on the other side.


I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of this world through my paintings. Thank you for joining me.

Michel

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14 Comments

  1. Robert McNinch on May 1, 2022 at 8:33 am

    Love shines through .



    • Jeannie Irvin on May 1, 2022 at 11:19 am

      Michel, I’m so sorry for your loss ☹️😞I know how dear Mary was to you. YOU are my mentor, my inspiration and my dear friend.💕I love these new paintings 🖼💗Thanks for being you!!!!!!!



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you, honey.



  2. Virginia Donovan on May 1, 2022 at 8:38 am

    Mary will always be with you… She was a huge mentor for me as well. Since her passing I have played many of her videos and am still learning from her.
    She was a gift to the world, and is greatly missed.
    Thank you for sharing this with us….
    Virginia….



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you, Virginia. I am always trying to make her proud! : )



  3. Renee Wedding on May 1, 2022 at 9:43 am

    Beautiful tribute. Both of you are great teachers. 🧡



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you so much.



  4. Tina on May 1, 2022 at 10:05 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and mentor Mary. The paintings are just lovely and you can look at them forever and remember your friendship and times together!



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      Yes, they are framed and above my mantle right now!



  5. Ellen Fishburne on May 1, 2022 at 11:38 am

    Thank you for sharing your Mary times. She will live forever through her students, as will every beloved teacher. (Looking at you.)



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      Thank you, Ellen. Let’s paint!



  6. Wilma R King on May 1, 2022 at 8:03 pm

    Very touching and beautiful.



    • Michel McNinch on May 2, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      Thank you, Wilma.



  7. Kirkland on May 5, 2022 at 11:16 am

    This is a beautiful tribute to Mary! Thank you for sharing your art and what you learned from her. She was such a gift to the world and will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives.



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