Saturday, July 14, 2018

COLOR CAMP

Here are images for our Corley Mill Artists' Group COLOR CAMP:




















Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Come Out and Paint EDISTO STATE PARK


Hello All!  
Here is lots of information on 
our upcoming Painting Retreat!














Click on Images to Enlarge









































Here is a link to this PDF Flyer with active links:

http://www.michelmcninch.com/images/EdistoFlyerMcNinch.pdf

Here is a link to the Park:

https://southcarolinaparks.com/edisto-beach



March 25, 26, and 27

Check in 4pm Sunday; 
Check out is 10am Tuesday. 
(Paint for as long as we want on Tuesday;
 just have to check out of the cabins.) 








 






HELLO Everyone! 

Come out and Paint Edisto State Park!

MARCH 25, 26, AND 27 (Two Nights)
Check in 4pm Sunday; 
Check out is 10am Tuesday. 

Edisto State Park Cabins

Cabins each have a full kitchen, living room, bedrooms and one bathroom. Each artist will have their own bedroom and share a bathroom with one other artist. All the cabins have been reserved for us!  Cabins are full / Day Students welcome ($150).

Here is a link to my blog which has all this info for you online:


Please ask questions.  I am working on my check-list.  We are planning more of these events, and they are going to be GREAT!


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY -  Check in time is 4:00 pm

Settle in your room.  Survey the painting spots; Get an idea of where you would like to paint.  LEAVE your art supplies in the car.  There are many locations we may want to paint.

Early Dinner - in cabins / on your own.

Meet and Greet  - FIRESIDE  6pm - 9pm 

Please gather round the campfire to meet each other and discuss the plans for the next two PAINTING DAYS! (Bring a cooler if you like.)

MONDAY

SUNRISE SALUTATIONS - 7:00 - 9:00 am

Please join us for the Sunrise!  Cameras at the ready.  If you would like a wake-up call for sunrise, please let us know.  Be aware that we are very cheerful in the morning!  : )  Coffee maker will be running in the McNinch cabin.  Please gather there before heading out to paint.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING 9am-1pm

DEMO by Michel McNinch 2pm-4pm 

Gather at the McNinch Cabin for demonstration by Michel. 
She will be sharing her method of painting the marsh with oils.

CRITIQUE - Bring your work from the day to the demo.  I will give a critique - privately if requested.  It would help me help you to see all that you have done for the day.

DINNER - Group Consensus - Seafood sounds good.

SKETCHBOOK VESPERS  7pm - 9pm

Meet up at the McNinch Campfire!

TUESDAY


SUNRISE SALUTATIONS - 7:00 - 9:00 am

Please join us for the Sunrise!  Cameras at the ready.  If you would like a wake-up call for sunrise, please let us know.  Be aware that we are very cheerful in the morning!  : )  Coffee maker will be running in the McNinch cabin.  Please gather there before heading out to paint.

CHECK OUT AT 10AM.  Please bring your key to Michel or Robert.  We will check everyone out.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING 10am-12pm

DEMO by Beth Williams 1pm-3pm

Gather at the McNinch Cabin for demonstration by Beth Williams 
She will be sharing her method of painting waves with pastel.
CRITIQUE - Bring your work from the day to the demo.  I will give a critique - privately if requested.  It would help me help you to see all that you have done for the day.

Here are some things to think about while you are at the park.


Immerse yourself in your subject matter!  Take it in by staying quiet and focused.  I don’t mean silent, just quiet…turn away from distractions.  Work in your sketchbook for the first 15 minutes.

I will be on hand for critiques and suggestions.  Call me when you are having trouble.  It’s easier to help you find your way than it is to help you find your way back.  When you get stuck, stop and let me help. : )

PLEASE KNOW:  

You should work in any medium you wish.  Old favorite or try something new.  There is so many possibilities.  Please contact me for suggestions;  I would like to know how you are planning to work.

Start where you are.  All are welcomed.


SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST

TV table for your palette 
Palette with cover
Painting supplies
Painting panels/canvases 
Charcoal
Brushes and palette knives Storage tube for same 
Wet Canvas Carrier Boxes (clean pizza box will do)
Small Sketchbook and Pencil 
Paper Towels - Handiwipes 
Plastic Bag for your trash 
Sunscreen - Bug Repellent 
A big Sun Hat
Drinking Water - Snacks/lunch 
Small knife/whistle/compass 
Digital Camera
Easel
Folding Chair or Stool
Cell phone fully charged 
Fishing gear if desired
Alcohol if desired
Breakfast and Lunch
Pillows and Blankets
Don’t forget your chargers.  Cabin has wifi.


Leave your art supplies in the car.  We have many choices of places to paint. 

Things to remember when painting outdoors 

- Don’t try to put it all in.
- Determine your focus, first.
- Place your horizon line
- Create thumbnail compositions. 
- Move individual elements to improve composition.
- Block in the main values simply and quickly.
- Work all over the canvas—get everything placed.
- Don’t chase shadows! Set them & leave them. 
- Squint to establish values!
- Rest and refresh your eyes
- Remember: have fun, stay loose, & enjoy the view!


Here’s how I approach the canvas simply put:  Composition/Color Questions/Block-In/Center of Interest/Catch the Light/Catch the Details/Don’t Mess it Up.  : )

Get your supplies ready the night before.  On Go.
Paint ready,  clean palette, and just enough of everything else to paint with for 2-3 hours.  You don’t need everything!  You can always walk back to the cabin to get something.  Nice huh!  (Those taking the class as a day student may leave gear in the McNinch cabin.)  Robert will shuttle folks back and forth to the cabins and bathrooms.  Call him at 803-360-3144 and request a ride!  He will have a hospitality cooler with him. 

Have a good idea of where you want to paint.   Notice what really speaks to you.  Think about finding more than one composition from the same spot.  Change your view point rather than having to move your gear.  

My demonstration prices are:  5x7 - $195 / 8x10 - $295 / 11x14 -$395.

GROUP PHOTO is a must.  Please help me remember.  

Inclement Weather plan:  

Paint anyway.  : )  Whatever the weather, the artist can find subject matter.  Also, there will be fun and games inside.  Another alternative would be to visit galleries in the area.  


A Word about Safety….

Buddy up for safety.  

Wander all you want, but stay in touch. 

Please carry your phone. 

I.C.E. Numbers - Please email to me the name and number of the person you want me to call in case of emergency.  IMPORTANT

Here is some advice 
from the State Park Service:

“To ensure that your visit is enjoyable, please be aware of the dynamic characteristics of the natural environment.  There are areas at all state parks that could be potentially hazardous if visitors do not use extreme caution.  Visitors who are unsure about possible hazards should contact a Park Ranger.”  

This trip is intended to share with you the joy of making art in a natural setting.  Be prepared for the elements.  ; )



Please share your ideas and opinions with us.  

We would like to use them for next time.  Also, let me know about places you might like to paint.  Thank you for joining us and for your insight.  Let us know if you have any questions.

Michel and Robert McNinch
McNinch Art Studios



803-360-2994 - Michel
803-360-3144 - Robert

 Facebook

Click on images to enlarge

Friday, December 15, 2017

Plein Air Painting - Rainy River Mondays I and II



Nothing feels better to me than being set up outside to paint a beautiful landscape.  Even on rainy days. - Maybe especially on rainy days.



Rainy River Monday I, oil, 8x10
click to enlarge



Rainy River MondayII, oil, 8x10
click to enlarge


If you would like to join me Plein Air painting, check out this link:  ComeOutAndPaint.com

Thank you for your interest in my work. 

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Plein Air Painting

Traveling through some old photos. Plein Air paintings/September 2017 Litchfield. All are oil on 5x7 masonite panels. So much fun to paint outside.



Monday, October 30, 2017

PHOTOS - Givhans Ferry Jan 28-31, 2018 - Painting Retreat


Am hoping you can help by sending photos of the moon, the neon light necklaces, pouring the paint, the paintings, all of which I missed -  just anything that will help our recollection of a retreat to remember!

 If you would like to use some for your blog/website, please let me know.  I will send you a large file for you to use. 


My sincere thanks to all involved.

To see the flyer for this retreat, please click

Givhans Ferry Jan 28-31, 2018 - Painting Retreat



Plein Air Painting / Givhan's Ferry State Park



Click on Images to Enlarge the Fun!  : )


Great Group of Artists.  Big smiles.

First Day's Skill Builder Lessons

Covered ways to use Elements and Principles

Barbara shared a great Value and Notan Lesson

Look Who is Painting with us! FUN!


Riverfront Hall is BEAUTIFUL!  Complete with a riverside porch for sketching!
View from the Porch


Carolina Winter Day


Love the subtle colors


Us and Bobby McGee


Our Fire Chief (Bravo)

Wandering Wonder

Marvelous Mary Smile

Tammy Wolfe and Jimmy played

Tammy fireside

Night Life

Singing encouraged by example (yikes!)

 Robert is the Fire King

Take it Easy

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

The View

The Chill

Look and Listen


When the moon hits your eye in a deep southern sky


Braving the Elements

Becky of the Woods

Can you find Becky?







April's Smile


Getting it Done!



The Story Teller

Huddled and Bundled

Mary's Teal Tale





Aunt Mary

Bundling Beyond Shame!  COLD

Phyllis Shining


Plein Air Painting Formal


Chillin' in the Park

He got a little rest.  

We Saved a Seat For You


Find your Way to



Check out our Schedule




Group Critique / Final Day 




























Our Plein Air Retreat is getting close now!  I can hardly wait.  Just booked some musicians for around the fire in the evening!  Riverfront Hall has been reserved for the entirety of our stay in case of inclement weather.

Attached is the Schedule of Events that I sent to you in November for your easy reference.  This email will confirm your reservation in this retreat.  I will send you an email with your remaining balance, which we will collect at the park.

There is a change in schedule:  Rick Robertson, Manager, plans to speak with us at the Riverfront Hall at 2pm - not 5pm on Jan 28.  So, we get started just a little earlier.  Check in is still at 4pm.

Supply list

Sketchbook

Drawing implements of your choice
(i.e. pencils, pens, pastels, ink, etc.)

Medium of your choice
(oils, pastels, acrylic, watercolor)
If you are not sure, call me SOON

Plein Air Materials include:

Travel easel
TV tray
Camera
Folding Chair
Cell phone / charger
Hat
Small knife
Bottled water

Also, your cabin has a full kitchen.
Bring your food!   : )

There are two evenings we will go out together.  (Pizza and Fish Camp)


Please let me know that you have received this email.  Thanks.

Michel

p.s.  Becky - I know you sent me your cousin’s info, but I cannot find it.  :(  Please forward this information to her.  Thanks.





Begin forwarded message:

From: Michel McNinch <michel@michelmcninch.com>
Subject: Givhans Ferry State Park Painting Retreat January 28-31, 2018
Date: November 12, 2017 at 7:52:32 AM EST

Hello all!

Before the holidays get rolling, I thought it might be good to send you some of the specifics for our paint out at Givhan’s Ferry State Park on January 28-31.  Getting all the lessons prepared.   Getting excited to share them with you.


GENERAL INFO 

There are eight of us going.  Good small group.  The lessons are geared for beginners.  Supply list is being compiled now.  Trying to keep it to a minimum.  Check the flyer attached for a list of suggested supplies for outdoor painting.

Bring your food.  There is a full kitchen in your cabin. 



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

January 28
2pm / Meet at Riverfront Hall to hear the Park Manager, Rick Robertson.

4pm Check into your Cabin.  (You will receive confirmation details in January)

5pm Gather at Riverfront Hall to meet everyone and get started!  

Rick Robertson is the manager of the park.  
He will meet us at the Riverfront Hall to introduce us to the park and tell us his special connection to it.  Here’s a video showing a little about the park.

7pm   Dinner on your own.  Settle into our new space.

8pm   Campfire / Sketchbook Vespers


January 29 AND January 30

8-10am  Coffee Critique  (w/ fruit and pastries)

10am-1pm Skill Builders

Demonstration

1pm-4pm Plein Air Painting

5pm Group Critique - McNinch Cabin

? Dinner - Group concensus

7-9:30 Campfire / Sketchbook Vespers


January 31

10am Check Out

11am-1:30 Group Paint in Riverfront Hall
Final Critiques


Please send any questions that come to mind.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Michel

P.S. Becky, please send this to your cousin.  Also, would you send me her name and email.  It will be added to this email group.  

www.MichelMcNinch.com
803-360-2994 Facebook


Hi Everyone - 

This is to confirm our big Painting Retreat at Givhan’s Ferry State Park.  We will arrive at Jan 28 / 2:00pm at the Riverfront Hall to hear Rick Robertson speak about the park and his special connection to it.  We will then have a little fun with some paint (so wear painting clothes!  

Last minute details:  

Pillows and Blankets might be a good idea.  It might get cold!  
We have the Riverfront Hall reserved in case of inclement weather.
Don’t forget your chargers.  Cabin has wifi.
Leave your art supplies in the car.  We have many choices of where to paint.

Campfire and Live Acoustic Guitars:  Jan 29 / 6-9pm  - All Park Rangers are invited.




Link to the Flyer with active links:  http://www.michelmcninch.com/images/FlyersforWebsite/1-28-31-18-Givhan'sFerryFlyer.pdf


Link to a blog page with past emails and schedule & information:  http://michelmcninch.blogspot.com/2017/10/givhans-ferry-jan-28-31-2018-painting.html


A word about safety….


Buddy up for safety.  Wander all you want, but please let us know where you will be.  Would everyone please have your phone with you during the day?

Please provide an Emergency Contact name and number.  Just email it to me, and I will put it in your contact.  Anne got lost in the woods once…happily painting all day.  : ) I did have to call her husband to get her new cell number.  : )

Here is some advice from the State Park Service:

“To ensure that your visit is enjoyable, please be aware of the dynamic characteristics of the natural environment.  There are areas at all state parks that could be potentially hazardous if visitors do not use extreme caution.  Visitors who are unsure about possible hazards should contact a Park Ranger.”  

This trip is intended to share with you the joy of making art in a natural setting.  Be prepared for the elements.  ; )

Can’t wait to get started.  FYI, I will be demonstrating in acrylic so that I can use the speed of drying to demonstrate composition block ins.  

Please let me know that you received this email.  I would love to answer any questions.  It helps me build a good check list.  We are planning a few more state park trips, and they are going to GREAT.

See you soon.  Michel

Becky - please send to Phyllis and please re-send me her email address.