| Dean L. Mitchell, as the recipient of the $10,000 Butler Institute of American Art Purchase Award for his brilliant watercolor painting “St. Augustine Light,” is one more indication that he’s hit his stride as a current grand master of American art. Mitchell received the award as part of the Allied Artists of America’s 109th exhibition held at The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio. But this honor extends an already impressive string of honors for his artwork, which includes gold medals from the American Watercolor Society and Allied Artist of America; the Masters of the American West Autry Museum’s 2022 “Purchase Award”; the 51st Florida Watercolor Society’s 2022 “First Place, Guy Beattie Award”; the Southern Watercolor Society’s 45th exhibition 2022 “Gold Award”; the 42nd International San Diego Watercolor Society’s 2022 “Best in Show” award; the American Watercolor Society’s 154th international exhibition 2021 “Gold Medal” award; and the Missouri Watercolor Society’s 2021 “First Place, Best in Show” award. Superlatives abound and the accolades are impressive, but Mitchell maintains a clear perspective—not only on his artistic skills and accomplishments, but also on his important voice as an artist. In a prepared statement, he said he was honored and grateful to be part of the Allied Artists of America’s annual exhibition at the Butler Institute. “To be recognized in this manner is any artist's dream. The work now becomes a part of the permanent collection of the first museum dedicated to American Art. It was overwhelming to realize I had won this award because of the caliber of artists selected for the exhibition.” “To be recognized as a living American Master and to have my work hanging among some of the finest artists in American Art is mesmerizing,” he continued. “I was told I would never make a living as a Black man painting pictures, and to have my voice heard in a major American institution dedicated to collecting American art is a significant accomplishment.” In particular, he cited his grandmother, teachers at his junior high school, and other mentors throughout his life that encouraged and guided him to pursue his talents. He confessed that, early in his career, he had a steep learning curve with regard to navigating the complexities of the art world. “I had my struggles, but I had my calling and a great love of art. I wanted to focus on quality and become an authentic voice, especially for people of color.” Regarding the process behind his award-winning “St. Augustine Light,” Mitchell said the painting is a continuation of my style in watercolor but more fluid and direct by suggesting forms with hints of color and shifting tones combined with lines. “To start my watercolor, there is often very light gesture drawing for placements of forms. I like the approach where the drawing is loose and not very refined. I prefer drawing more with the brush as it is more challenging and stimulating regarding energy. The subjects I chose are people, places, and environments I’ve visited and feel a deep connection to historically and personally.” Mitchell was born in Pittsburgh in 1957 and grew up in Quincy, Florida. He is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. He’s known for his figurative works, landscapes and still lifes. In addition to watercolors, he is accomplished in other mediums, including egg temperas, oils, and pastels. He has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, American Artist, Artist Magazine, Fine Art International, and Art News. His artwork is part of numerous corporate and museum collections across the country, including Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, Alabama; The Rockwell Museum, Corning, New York; Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, Mississippi; Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan, Kansas; The Autry National Center, Los Angeles; The Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Gadsden Art Center Quincy, Florida; Canton Museum of Art, Canton, Ohio and the Library of Congress. An online interview of Mitchell at the opening reception of the Butler Art Institute exhibit, conducted by fellow artist Judy Takacs, the social media chair for Allied Artists, can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAQfS3zUF7o |
