Watching Paint Dry

Feb 24, 2024

Sometimes I watch paint dry while waiting to put a final varnish, hooks, and wire before I give it to you for viewing – in its final state. Sometimes, the paint must dry before I can take the next necessary steps to complete the original vision. Then there are the times that a painting must sit and dry while I decide what the next steps are going to be. I have all that going on this week.

"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.
“Blue Mesa Memory,” 18×36, oil on canvas.
This is the final painting. It has been on and off the easel for a long time. It is finally ready to be hung with my finished paintings. The image comes from Moab, Utah – just outside Monument Valley
This painting needs to dry thoroughly before it gets another turn on the easel. I am happy with it so far, and will need the paint to dry before adding more so as not to disturb what is already there. It coming along nicely though. It won't need much more.
This painting needs to dry thoroughly before it gets another turn on the easel. I am happy with it so far, and will need the paint to dry before adding more so as not to disturb what is already there. It coming along nicely though. It won’t need much more.

What does an artist do when watching paint dry? Starting a painting seemed like a good idea.

Just starting a 24x48 of Santee State Park at Blue Hour. I have done several paintings of this image, but always in a small version.
Just starting a 24×48 of Santee State Park at Blue Hour. This is variation on a theme. I have painted this scene in several variations over the years in a smaller format.
Here I needed to let the paint dry. I got most of the sky in and needed to determine the top of the tree line. Too wet for this step. Needed to let it dry overnight - at least.
Needed to let it dry overnight – at least – before I decide where the tree line will be.

Are you ready for another puzzle? Here ya go – I am so happy that you are enjoying them.

Michel

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15 Comments

  1. Kathy Hartzog on February 24, 2024 at 8:57 pm

    love it!



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 8:06 am

      Thank you so much, Kathy! I can hear you saying that!



  2. Susan Burns on February 24, 2024 at 10:44 pm

    I love your work and I love the puzzles!



    • Lynn Finley on February 25, 2024 at 8:46 am

      I enjoy all your paintings. and Blue Mesa Memory looks especially beautiful! I hope to come see it in person soon!



      • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 9:27 am

        Looking forward to seeing you again. : )



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 8:07 am

      Thank you. It was definitely time for another puzzle. I am so glad you enjoy them.



      • Bonnie on February 27, 2024 at 10:34 am

        I love it!!
        It is beautiful out west and you captured it amazingly!!



  3. Robert McNinch on February 25, 2024 at 5:46 am

    Love the sky and water! Wonderful job.



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 8:09 am

      Thank you, honey. I know you wouldn’t say it unless you meant it.



  4. Donna Rawls on February 25, 2024 at 8:40 am

    Can’t wait to see them hanging in your studio at StormWater!



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 8:10 am

      Me too, Donna. Getting a little stacked up in the home studio. Want to get them down there soon.



  5. Jimmy Lee on February 25, 2024 at 12:47 pm

    Love the mess painting. Have you sol it? How big is it? Love looking at your art



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2024 at 8:13 am

      Hi Jimmy, Thank you for your kind words. “Blue Mesa Memory” is 18×36. I have not sold it. Haven’t shown it to anyone yet. Would love for you to see it when you and Janet come again. Coming through anytime soon?



  6. Pam Wedding on February 28, 2024 at 1:52 am

    Love the puzzles! And, of course, the painting!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️



    • Michel McNinch on February 28, 2024 at 8:44 am

      Thank you! The puzzles are getting popular!



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"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.
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