From Coast to Canvas

Artist Merrie McNair’s creative evolution is inspired by the beauty of the Lowcountry

by Robin Howard / photography by Holger Obenaus

Party on the Half-Shell, oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″

Artist Merrie McNair has taken a unique path in the art world, blending her passion for nature with her love of oil painting. Born and raised in South Carolina, McNair’s formative years were steeped in the beauty of the Lowcountry. Summers spent on Isle of Palms left an indelible mark on her artistic sensibilities, infusing her work with the vibrant colors and textures of the coastal environment.

McNair’s journey into art was a bit unconventional. Her father, a high school principal who took up painting and ceramics in his 40s, was a pivotal influence. Hosting weekly gatherings of emerging artists around their kitchen table, he nurtured an environment of creativity and camaraderie. Though she was creative from a young age, as a young adult her initial focus was on interior design. She moved to the Northeast, attended Parsons School of Design in New York, then forged a career as an interior designer. After seven years, McNair moved back to the Lowcountry with her family.

Her artistic path took a surprising turn when she mentioned to her friend, local artist Laurie Meyer, that she’d long had a desire to paint. Meyer responded instantly with an eagerness to teach, and so began McNair’s journey of learning, study and practice. “I was intimidated at first,” she says. “It took me six years before I could say I was an artist. As all artists know, you can be your own worst critic, and it’s hard for me to ever feel a painting is ‘finished.’ Yet, I can’t imagine not painting as I’m forever inspired by color, texture and God’s beauty all around me, and can only hope to capture it justly.”

Sky Dance, oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″

McNair’s artistic style gravitates toward impressionism and is characterized by its rich, vibrant colors and dynamic textures. She enjoys the process of painting wet into wet, allowing the colors to blend and create unexpected effects. “I love soft edges and light,” she says. Her approach was further shaped by a critical piece of advice she received: “Someone told me you don’t have to draw to paint. That’s so true.” This advice liberated the artist in her, enabling her to experiment and develop her own distinct style.

Nature is a central muse for McNair. The play of light on water, the colors of sunrises and sunsets, and the Lowcountry’s unique landscapes are recurring themes in her work. “I take a lot of photos, not necessarily to capture that scene but to capture one element from it: a cloud, a bending palm, a wave of color or possibly a reflection. We are so blessed with what God has given us,” she says. Whether depicting a detailed landscape or exploring abstract forms, McNair’s work is imbued with the beauty of the natural world.

Through her paintings, the artist aims to evoke joy and sometimes quiet reflection. She hopes that her art will resonate with viewers, bringing them a sense of connection to a special place or moment in time. “Every now and then I get a photo of my painting hanging in someone’s home and a note saying how much joy it brings them, and my heart is full,” she says.

Merrie McNair | PHOTO BY STRADLEY DAVIDSON

Some particularly touching experiences involved a series of abstract crosses she created after COVID. These were gifted to friends and others for life events, like births and baptisms, or during times of loss. The emotional impact of her work reinforces the artist’s belief in the power of art to touch lives.

Her involvement with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA has been a significant aspect of her career. For 10 years, McNair participated in its outdoor art exhibitions, enjoying the opportunity to engage with a community of artists and art enthusiasts.

McNair’s artistic process is both methodical and intuitive. She often begins by toning her canvases in cadmium red light, which adds warmth and vibrancy. This preliminary step is followed by a value study and painting from dark to light. The artist employs a variety of tools, including brushes and palette knives, to achieve her desired effects. Her approach to painting is fluid and experimental, incorporating both representational and abstract elements.

New Day, oil on canvas, 24″ x 22″

McNair is represented by Perspective Gallery in Mount
Pleasant and maintains an active presence on Instagram
(@merriemcnairstudio). Her work is also available through her website.

Looking ahead, the artist is excited about the coming year. She plans to immerse herself in painting after a period of rest following her mother’s passing. “My mother could sit and watch birds for hours. I feel her influence,” she says. “I’m going to keep living in the moment and painting things that speak to me.”

Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.

More Information

Merrie McNair Studio

843.224.0445