The Stitches We Know

Nov 4, 2023

Consistent blog posting took a hit; missed 3 weeks!

My sincere apologies. I’m back!

My painting had me under its spell.  This painting is one that has long been on my mind. I kept thinking it would be finished for the next week’s blog post, but it wasn’t.  

But it is ready for you now….

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

“The Stitches we Know,” oil, 24×30 – More Info on Website

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 of her siblings and the family’s favorite meal her Mama makes.  There is a foundation, but the future is unknown.

The photo was taken and sent to me as a text message when she was cleaning her room.  She is holding up a granny square crocheted for her (my stitches) while wearing a t-shirt with “Stitch” on it.  We know and think different things, but we share them with each other.  Part of life is stitching together the thoughts and beliefs of our loved ones with our own. So, as you can see this painting brings up many things to my near and dear to my heart.

But now dear viewer, I leave it to you.  Please enjoy it however you wish. What will you stitch together? My heart is lifted with the possibility.

I am always interested in the process, and I hope you are too. I love sharing it. The process used to create this painting is described on my YouTube channel. To see the different phases that the painting has gone through, click link below. BTW I have reached my first goal of 25 subscribers (I know you’re smiling : ). My new goal is 100!  If you know anyone who would be interested in seeing this type of art work being created, please pass it along to them.  

Here’s a jigsaw puzzle for you. Hope you have a little fun putting it together!

SHOW COMING NOV 16 – LINK TO INFO

This painting and few of my other new pieces will be displayed in the 38th Annual Vista Lights show on November 16, 5-9pm @ Stormwater Studios. I hope that some of you will get an opportunity to see these paintings in person.

This beautiful bouquet came from our new pollinator garden at Stormwater Studios.  Karen Murphy is our designer, and these flowers are the fruits of her labor.  In addition to being a master naturalist, she is also my student and my friend.  The bouquet was so varied and vibrant.  It was the first bouquet from this beautiful new garden.  All this made it very fun to paint.  #pollinatorgarden #karenmurphy #paintflorals #stormwaterstudios
This beautiful bouquet came from our new pollinator garden at Stormwater Studios.  Karen Murphy is our designer, and these flowers are the fruits of her labor.  In addition to being a master naturalist, she is also my student and my friend.  The bouquet was so varied and vibrant.  It was the first bouquet from this beautiful new garden.  All this made it very fun to paint.  #pollinatorgarden #karenmurphy #paintflorals #stormwaterstudios

Thank you for following my painting practice.  It is my hope you will enjoy learning about art from a working artist’s perspective.  

Michel

P.S. Next up on the easel is my beloved Robert!  Stay tuned.

"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary." Pablo Picasso
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14 Comments

  1. Mary on November 4, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    Love the completed Bek. Her hair looks fabulous, and her eyes really capture her spirit❤️



    • Michel McNinch on November 4, 2023 at 7:36 pm

      Thank you so much. I appreciate your insight.



  2. Roxanne on November 4, 2023 at 7:34 pm

    Enjoy watching the process and progress! Love the painting.



  3. Michel McNinch on November 4, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    I think it is so cool you found the YouTube before I told you! WOW! That’s viral for me. Thank you.



  4. Tina on November 4, 2023 at 7:48 pm

    I’m not quite sure how to put my thoughts and feelings into words or explain the tightness in my throat!! Our Bek continues to grow and learn day by day, and stitch by stitch!! I love you so much dear sister! And thanks too for the puzzle!! I can’t wait to share this!!! 🥰💛😘



    • Michel McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 10:50 am

      Glad you like it! It was a painting wanting to be painted!



  5. Lucy Bailey on November 5, 2023 at 11:28 am

    Love the title of this!



    • Robert McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      Wonderful email and blog ! Portrait is fantastic!



      • Michel McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 7:06 pm

        You are the best! Thank you for being my biggest fan.



    • Michel McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you. It clicked early on. : )



  6. Dianne Meadow on November 5, 2023 at 1:22 pm

    Love the painting!! I look forward to seeing it in person!



    • Michel McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 7:07 pm

      Won’t be long now. Going to Ramco on Wednesday. : )



  7. Jimmy Lee on November 5, 2023 at 6:43 pm

    Loved the look in her eyes. Beautiful



  8. Michel McNinch on November 5, 2023 at 7:08 pm

    She has ice blue eyes. : ). Fun to paint.



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