Joe is a working Artist. When he’s not teaching full time at a Greenville Bible College, planning, sketching or painting a larger than life mural or creating one of his outstanding works of art for a commission or display in an art gallery, he’s probably considering the numerous ideas that live in his imagination, such as the song “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This”, which prompted one of his a soulful paintings. He tells me there may be hundreds of these such images, waiting for a canvas.
Mr. McKinney discovered art in High School, where his journey began. Afterward, he studied at USC in Charlotte, where he learned to paint in a surrealistic style. He expanded his knowledge as a Bible College student, where he also studied and was influenced by the Greek and Theology. He still studies the work of the old masters; Monet, and other museum artists, have had a profound influence on the unique style he has developed over the years. He even had a Salvatore Dali phase, early in his artistic journey.
Mr. McKinney’s experience is varied. He has painted life-like murals for twenty five years, at least one of which adorns a space as large as two stories in a local high school. He painted a 40’ x 100’ wall outside, in full sunlight in July. Understandably, since then his concentration has been on inside projects; where, although large, he is not at the mercy of the elements.
Joe loves the process of art. I asked about how his unique style seen in his work on display at the White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery in Travelers Rest. He tells me he uses an old chip brush from a hardware store. He then fixes the bristles to points to create his special effects.
He usually does have a specific plan for his paintings, but this can be over-worked at times. Joe plays with colors and color reversal, evident in his “Late Evening Beach Scene”, where he features muted blue colors (the time of day makes this one very special), and his “Table Rock Trail” with a mystic background.
Joe McKinney’s work can be seen in 130 public schools throughout South Carolina, as well as on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. There is a large mural of the Mavericks; their mascot at Mauldin High School. A very special mural has been painted of a zoo scene at Brooke Glenn Elementary School.
If you’ve yet to see Mr. McKinney’s work, I urge you to make time to visit the gallery. Ask the Docent at the desk to direct you to his work. If you appreciate fine art you will find his work extraordinary. We, at the White Rabbit, are indeed fortunate to feature Joe McKinney as one of our fine guest artists.
Visit Joe McKinney on-line at FineArtAmeria.com. And don’t miss JoeMcKinneyMurals.com
