Today we’d like to introduce you to Michel McNinch.
Hi Michel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
People ask me “How long have you been an artist?” and I tell them that “I drew the best snowman in kindergarten.”
It really started earlier than that! My very first memory is crawling next door to get their crayons. The big ones. Eight colors. I wanted to touch them so bad. It is a vivid memory.
The need to draw and color was very strong as a young child. My mother felt it. Everything she put in my hand gave me decisions to make -what color, how to mold it, what story to read. OH!
Remember the watercolor coloring books? Magic. I have always been a mark maker.
I went to school and then went to work. Working in a law office for 20 years, I felt the need to find a creative pursuit. Local art classes started me with a new career and a new life. I took a dramatic leap of faith and became a full-time artist. One painting, one show, and one opportunity at a time I created a new career.
Now, my time is spent reflecting the beauty of the Southeastern landscape onto canvas for others to see and enjoy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Painting is a difficult endeavor and takes much concentration, effort and focus.
There is a common misconception is that artists live a happy-go-lucky life and don’t take things seriously. Where did that idea come from? The artists that I know take their work very seriously and strive for the best work they can produce.
There is also a need for every person to realize that original art is available to them. Art is an important way to enhance and enjoy our living/working spaces. There is something for all of us. One of my most treasured pieces of art was bought on the steps of a museum for $50.
I remember the smile on the artist’s face as we talked about the one-of-a-kind painting I was purchasing.
As you know, we’re big fans of McNinch Art Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I paint in the studio and on location the beauty of the Southeastern landscape.
Connecting with art lovers and nature lovers alike, my canvases reflect the natural beauty that soothes the human spirit. I am so proud to have built a career as a professional fine artist – one painting at a time.
Now there is a vibrant online community that receives my painting collections and then on to my website. It has been a fast 25 years that I have been painting full time now, and I love it just as much now as I did in the beginning.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My mentor was Savannah artist, Mary Gilkerson. She was a much-loved artist and teacher. We lost her suddenly to cancer not very long ago. So, this is a timely question for me.
What worked for me was finding someone who had done what I wanted to do. She created a thriving painting practice and then taught others how to do that as well.
I feel so fortunate to have learned from her. Her family put all of her video instructions on YouTube for us to continue learning. Such a very generous gift to give to the artists who followed her.
Pricing:
- My prices range from $175 to $2,900
- Returns accepted 14 days from time of sale
- One of a kind. No prints sold.
- My paintings are intended to provide the beauty of nature to your indoor surroundings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michelmcninch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelmcninch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelMcNinchArt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLd6IvhTXiLWksCtaKW8Byw
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/michelmcninch/
