Artist Michel McNinch

The following is an interview with someone I really admire. I met her when she came and spoke to our local art group a few years ago. At that time I was wrestling with the decision whether to quit my job and devote all my energies to doing whatever it takes to become a full time artist, or not. She also put her art aside and worked for 20+ years, before "jumping in" art full time. As she told us this, I felt as if Someone was saying, "It will be OK - you can do it, too."
I'll never forget that moment, when all things seemed possible.

1. Why did you become an artist?
I was born an artist. Art has always been what I excelled in. I drew
the best snowman in kindergarten.

2. Who are your heroes?
Heroes…..hmmm….relating to art it would be N.C. Wyeth, John Singer
Sargent, and Cecelia Beaux, among many many others. Personally, it
would have to be my husband, Robert. I have never met a finer person on
this earth. No enemies and never backs down…how does he do that?!

3. What artist, work and/or art movement has influenced
you the most?
The artist that influenced me the most was Eva Wilcox Darcy. She was
an amateur artist, but she loved her work and treated it with the utmost
care. It looked like treasure to both of us. She also treasured my
art, and always wanted to look at each piece in length. She encouraged
me. She was also the very first one to ever buy my art. When I said
the price was .50, she gave me $1.00! I think that her encouragement
has made me the teacher I am today. I love to inspire others to enjoy
creating art. I do so by using encouragement. I give classes to adults
and children in Oil, Pastel, and Creativity.

4. What is your inspiration?
My inspiration is usually color and light. Sometimes a person or a
pose will strike me as a good subject, sometimes landscapes catch my
eye. I absolutely love to paint water. Its fluidity and reflective
qualities are challenging to paint.

5. What is your definition of success?
Success to me a painting well done – and an extra canvas for the next one.

6. Where can we find your work?
If you are interested in seeing my work, you can find it on my website
www.michelmcninch.com and at the Gallery at Nonnah’s, Gervais Street,
Columbia, SC. I also do several shows a year, such as Piccolo Spoleto at Marion
Park, and Atalaya Arts Festival at Huntington Beach State Park . I try
to stay busy.

7. And as a nod to Barbara Walters, if you could be any
kind of tree what kind would you be and why?
I would be a live oak. They live a long time and have a beautiful
shape. There’s always family around, and I would be able to support
many other types of life.

Thanks, Michel. For everything.