About William Mitchell
|
Growing up in Catskill, New York, artist William Mitchell has long had an affinity for the natural beauty of his surroundings. William’s brightly colored serigraph prints portray places of special beauty and meaning to him. Many of those special places can be found in New Hampshire, where he has lived for nearly 40 years. “The scenic beauty of New Hampshire amazes me,” he says. “How the rolling of a blue sky touches our rolling mountains to create a vibrant world. The intimate forest scenes, rushing streams and color everywhere are what inspire me.” His love of the outdoors is evident in every one of his hand-made serigraph (silkscreen) prints. An avid hiker and skier, William is intimately familiar with many of New Hampshire's most beautiful places and through his prints he is able to depict that beauty in a way that makes those places seem both familiar and brand new.
While most people think of silkscreen prints as being composed of straight lines and solid blocks of color, William's prints show the hand of a skilled painter. In fact, many of his prints got their start in the watercolor paintings that serve as his initial "sketches." In addition to their flowing lines, William's prints are known for their striking use of color. His prints are bold and bright; there is nothing tentative or hesitant about William's work. And in the combination of his painter's hand and his vivid palate, William is able to put on paper the joy and reverence he feels for the New Hampshire landscape. From the blazing sun striking the open meadows on Star Island, dusky and soft shadows on a snow-covered mountain top, and the soft ripple on a mountain brook, each color is carefully applied to create a scene that reveals an enduring yet fragile landscape. William writes: "the beauty of New Hampshire continually moves me. Many people feel a personal connection with my prints because they depict some of their favorite places. I hope the inspiration I receive from such vistas are protected now and forever." William Mitchell received his B.A. from the State University College at Oneonta, NY and later studied at the Boston Museum School. In 2007 William completed graduate studies at the University of New Hampshire receiving a Master's in Education. William has been a juried printmaker in the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen since 1991. He is a listed artist in Who's Who in America. William's work is included in many private and corporate collections including recent purchases by the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Prints have been commissioned by New Hampshire Public Television, The New Hampshire Sierra Club and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Some of his limited-edition holiday greeting cards are included in the James Mullen Holiday Collection within the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum. For many years, William was an art teacher at Pittsfield Middle High School and he continues to share his passion for art as a workshop leader and teacher for children and adults. He lives in Dover, New Hampshire, with his wife Mary. |
At the League of NH Craftsmen's Fair
A finished serigraph edition
Teaching silkscreening with New Hampshire art teachers.
|
Artist's Resume & GalleriesA current listing of galleries and shops and the artist's resume.
|
More About SerigraphyLearn more about the silkscreening process!
|
Articles and PresentationsSelect articles , reflections and presentations by the artist and more!
|