The Tortoise and the Hare

Jan 6, 2024

During the New Year’s Celebration, I always organize. Reset. Take a Look.

This year, I have 4 events coming up that I want to be spectacular! So, I organized my thoughts around them, chose a series of paintings for each, and began to paint.

First up will be Artista Vista and Art Day at Stormwater Studios April.

My series idea is to get inspiration from our new pollinator and native plant garden. (garden post). The series planned is to celebrate / elevate the small animals that live (or visit) the Stormwater Studios campus.

To begin, a Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle on gold leaf.

I love a good idea! A series of native small animals that share our little oasis. Michel McNinch Stormwater Studios
I love a good idea! A series of small, native animals that share our grounds at Stormwater has begun!
Rear view of the tortoise on the easel.
Rear view of the turtle on the easel.
Don't you wonder what a tortoise is smelling. They really seem to get into it.
Don’t you wonder what a turtle is smelling? They really seem to get into it.
Here is where I left it. This Yellow-Bellied Slider needs to dry so that I can put the yellow belly in. Just a little. This turtle came to visit Stormwater and tried to lay eggs in the front yard. She was there for a long while, but there were no eggs left behind. Maybe this year.
Here is where I left it. This Yellow-Bellied Slider needs to dry so that I can put the yellow belly in. Just a little. This turtle came to visit Stormwater and tried to lay eggs in the front yard. She was there for a long while, but there were no eggs left behind. Maybe this year.
The studio is already set up. What not paint an Eastern Cottontail? Love the sweet look of these animals.
The studio is already set up. What not get another painting started?
So we have the an Eastern Cottontail. Love the sweet look of these animals.
So we have the an Eastern Cottontail on the way. Love the sweet look of these animals.

Thank you so much for taking a look into the studio this week. I appreciate it so much. It such a good way to convey what studio life is like and what is motivating and inspiring the work on the easel. Please never hesitate to ask questions about the work as it goes along.

Michel

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24 Comments

  1. Robert McNinch on January 7, 2024 at 9:40 am

    Awesome! Love the turtle and the rabbit.



    • Michel McNinch on January 7, 2024 at 10:44 am

      Thanks, honey. Thank you for helping me move them around to keep the cats out of the wet paint!



  2. Jane on January 7, 2024 at 9:45 am

    Excellent! Happy critters!



    • Michel McNinch on January 7, 2024 at 10:45 am

      Hey Jane, Still on this metal leaf train! Can’t wait to see what you paint next.



  3. Donna Rawls on January 7, 2024 at 10:37 am

    WOW!!!!! Going to be grand!



    • Michel McNinch on January 7, 2024 at 10:48 am

      Thank you, Donna. Looking forward to seeing you soon.



  4. Dawn Reardon on January 7, 2024 at 11:04 am

    Your series inspired from Stormwater’s garden and its surrounding is a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to see it all coming together!



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:05 pm

      Thank you, Dawn. It is not hard to be inspired by such a garden! : )



  5. Dawn Reardon on January 7, 2024 at 11:05 am

    Your series inspired from Stormwater’s garden and it’s surrounding is a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to see it all coming together!



  6. Roxanne on January 7, 2024 at 11:42 am

    Beautiful!



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you. I’m off to look for critters!



  7. Julie Larkin on January 7, 2024 at 11:43 am

    Had a lot of physical problems lately. Your posts help me keep my head in the world of art.
    Thank you



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:07 pm

      HI Julie – Thank you for letting me know that my posts have helped you. That means so much to me. Hope you are doing better soon. Remember to be creative. : )



  8. Kim Moon on January 7, 2024 at 12:25 pm

    Love the paintings on gold leaf! Look forward to seeing your series! Happy New Year!🎊



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:08 pm

      Hey Kim, Thank you! It is so fun to do. A challenge too. Not the same as a white canvas. Hope to see your smile soon.



  9. Dianne Meadow on January 7, 2024 at 1:46 pm

    My favorite is the cottontail! They’re both going to be great!!



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:09 pm

      He is a cute fellow! Reminds me of my dear Beatrix Potter. What a woman. : ). See you soon.



  10. Jeannie Irvin on January 7, 2024 at 3:23 pm

    LOVE the bunny rabbit!💗 LOVE the turtles too! You’re soooo good!!!!!💗🖼️



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:10 pm

      Thank you! It would be great if you could sit behind me every time I paint and give me confidence!
      LOL



  11. Amy on January 7, 2024 at 5:48 pm

    I love what looks like a smile on the turtle’s face. Whatever he’s smelling, must be something good! Beautiful work, Michel!



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:11 pm

      Thank you, Amy. I love when they do that. I always think…what do they smell I don’t smell – and do I really want to know!



  12. Ellen Fishburne on January 9, 2024 at 12:20 pm

    So much FUN! Slider is gorgeous and I absolutely love the neck and claws. Yeah, I’m weird that way. Cannot wait to see the rest of the series.



    • Michel McNinch on January 9, 2024 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks, Ellen. I have actually been thinking of you while doing this series. Your beautiful illustrations are an inspiration. Love them and you.



  13. Pamela Wedding on January 16, 2024 at 8:03 pm

    Michel, Kendall loves her owl!! (Ruby)
    So happy to gift her with her first fine art painting – from a wonderful gallery and a wonderful artist! She was delighted. We are looking for the perfect antique easel for display.
    Luckily, I had a small wooden one as a “place holder”.
    You don’t have to worry about Ruby, she’s well loved 🥰



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