Clark G. Mitchell, Artist of the Taj

Clark G. Mitchell, Painting Stories of the Landtm

clark-mitchell-head-shotBorn In Denver, Colorado, and growing up in the shadow of the Rockies, Clark Mitchell very early discovered a love of the natural world. Given a set of fine old German pastels by his father when quite young, he quickly embraced the medium for its ease of handling, brilliance of color and portability.

He received a bachelor’s degree in art from Colorado College in the seventies and moved to San Francisco to continue his studies at the Academy of Art College. Through personal exploration as well as study with artists Albert Handell, Skip Whitcomb, Michael Lynch and Bill Hook, Mitchell has developed the talent to create both tightly rendered scenes as well as looser, more abstract suggestions.

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Wide River (pastel) by Clark Mitchell

In order to fully immerse himself in the countryside he loved to portray, Mitchell left San Francisco with his partner over thirty years ago and moved north to the beautiful Sonoma County wine country. Painting expeditions throughout the state as well as across the country continue to provide challenge as well as inspiration.

Mitchell has been designated a Master Pastelist by the Pastel Society of America and a Distinguished Pastelist by the Pastel Society of the West Coast, and he recently earned Signature Member status with the Laguna Plein Air Painters of America. He has received numerous awards in local as well as national competitions and has oil and pastel paintings included in art collections internationally. In 2005, Mitchell won Best of Show award at the Laguna Plein Air Invitational, and in 2011 won Best of Show in the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational. He was the cover artist for American Artist’’s March 1993 issue. He was chosen as poster artist for the Sedona Plein Air Festival for 2008. In 2009, his painting was on the cover of Southwest Art’s  annual landscape issue. In 2011, Mitchell’s painting was on the cover of The Pastel Journal’s June issue.

clark-mitchell-at-the-easelYou can find out more about Clark and his works at https://cgmitchell.com/

Clark’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

DEER CREEK CANYON PARK, “Foothills to City – Overlooking South Valley Park” (pastel)

DEER CREEK CANYON PARK, “Gambel Oaks in Autumn” (pastel)

FLYING J RANCH PARK, “Pond from the East” (pastel)

HILDEBRAND RANCH PARK, “Hildebrand Ranch #3” (pastel)

PINE VALLEY RANCH PARK, “Pine Valley Ranch #1” (pastel)

PINE VALLEY RANCH PARK, “Pine Valley Ranch #2 (pastel)

PINE VALLEY RANCH PARK, “Pine Valley Ranch #4” (pastel)