Santee State Park Revisited

Sep 7, 2023

My time at Santee State Park resulted in many paintings over the years. Let me show you some of my paintings from my first visit there. You may have seen some of these. I am hopeful you will enjoy them this time too. : )

Santee State Park Welcome, oil, 11x14 The great blue heron was at my cabin more than I was. He seemed to bid me welcome each time I returned. Really, it was probably the excellent fishing for him in this dense, lush shoreline. #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #DonnellyFederalWildlifereserve #SCDNR #campinglife
Santee State Park Welcome, oil, 11×14

This great blue heron was at my cabin, and seemed to bid me welcome each time I returned. Really, it was probably the excellent fishing for him in this dense, lush shoreline.

Natural Cathedral, oil, 11x14 Santee State Park is replete with these beautiful places. It seems very holy to me. I don’t really have words to explain, but my spirit seems to connect with these places in a way nothing else does. That is why this is what I paint. #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #SCDNR #campinglife
Natural Cathedral, oil, 11×14

Santee State Park is replete with these beautiful places. It seems very holy to me. I don’t really have words to explain, but my spirit seems to connect with these places in a way nothing else does. That is why this is what I paint.

On the Horizon, oil, 11x14 I was inspired by that little tree standing tall on the horizon while the blustery sky threatened summer rain. I can smell the rain and know it is coming, and my bet is that the tree could too. So, the painting could be read as the rain is on the horizon, but the focus for me was the tree that would stand tall not matter the weather. #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #SCDNR #campinglife
On the Horizon, oil, 11×14

I was inspired by that little tree standing tall on the horizon while the blustery sky threatened summer rain. I can smell the rain and know it is coming, and my bet is that the tree could too. So, the painting could be read as the rain is on the horizon, but the focus for me was the tree that would stand tall not matter the weather.

Santee Blue Hour No. 1, oil, 11x14 This view gave me many paintings, but this is the first one. It was just so very beautiful each and every night I was there. Cooling of the temperature and the light couple with the campfires and lights coming on. Evening sounds of …. Well who knows what makes those sounds! #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #campinglovers #SCDNR #campinglife
Santee Blue Hour, oil, 11×14

This view gave me many paintings, but this is the first one. It was just so very beautiful each and every night I was there. Cooling of the temperature and the light couple with the campfires and lights coming on. Evening sounds of …. Well who knows what makes those sounds!

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, oil, 11x14 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, a SCDNR public land near Santee State Park and was a lovely way to spend the day. The vast natural beauty in this area is healing to my spirit. To sit in such beauty and paint is the height of my joy. It so effortlessly exists without any input from us humans. ; ) #comeoutandpaint #stormwaterstudios #michelmcninch #coastalliving #naturelovers #landscapelovers #inspiration #artlovers #santee #santeestatepark #beanartist #artlovers #Donnelley WildlifeManagementArea #SCDNR #campinglife
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, oil, 11×14

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, a SCDNR public land near Santee State Park and was a lovely way to spend the day. The vast natural beauty in this area is healing to my spirit. To sit in such beauty and paint is the height of my joy. It so effortlessly exists without any input from us humans. ; )

Thank you my fellow art lovers for viewing my paintings. I hope you enjoyed them. This week I am starting a new big painting! I am excited to tell you about it next week.

Michel

To learn more about these beautiful paces….

Santee State Park

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area

Posted in , , , ,

14 Comments

  1. Roxanne on September 10, 2023 at 9:40 am

    Beautiful visits of nature. Makes me want to get there soon to see what I can capture!



    • Michel McNinch on September 10, 2023 at 11:29 am

      For my paintings to inspire your painting is quite an honor. Let’s go!



  2. Donna Rawls on September 10, 2023 at 10:00 am

    An artists paradise…..everywhere you look there is inspiration……and you captured some good ones……a great SC State Park. Great Job Michel!



    • Michel McNinch on September 10, 2023 at 11:29 am

      It sure is, and I am so glad that we got to spend some time there together. Thank you.



  3. Dawn Re@rdon on September 10, 2023 at 10:44 am

    Looking at your paintings while reading how these places make you feel, I can hear your voice. I can feel these paintings through your descriptions. Poetic Narrator, Artist Michel McNinch.



    • Michel McNinch on September 10, 2023 at 11:28 am

      Thank you most sincerely. Now, I am at a loss for words! Your comment tells me I’m doing something right! : ).



  4. Robert McNinch on September 10, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    Absolutely beautiful, love the reflection in the Donnelley one!



    • Michel McNinch on September 10, 2023 at 8:29 pm

      Thank you, honey. Do you remember that spot. I kept tell you to drive slower! : )



      • Joan Specking on September 11, 2023 at 10:10 am

        Such stunning paintings. Also an inspiration to me to keep working on my own paintings. Thank you for sharing.



        • Michel McNinch on September 11, 2023 at 5:12 pm

          Thank you so much Joan!



  5. Kathy Hill on September 10, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    Beautiful! What a blessing to be in your class, even if it’s only for a while.



  6. Tina on September 15, 2023 at 1:02 pm

    Oh my goodness, you know I love the Great Blue Heron!! The colors on the SANTEE Blue Hour are stunning!!



  7. Jeannie Irvin on September 15, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    Santee Blue Hour is my MOST favorite BUT I LOVE ALL OF THEM MICHEL!!!!!💗💗💗💗💗Makes me want to go back!!!!!



  8. Susan Burns on September 17, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Your work is such an inspiration! I am binge viewing your blog as I haven’t “tuned in” lately. I love them all!



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