Date Posted: 7/3/2007
Steve Mitchell was born in Santa Paula and raised in Fillmore. In 1963 he moved to Ventura where he lived until 1989. Steve and his family then moved to Ojai where they currently reside. Steve works as a planner for the City of Camarillo. He maintains a studio in his Ojai home, but does most of his painting in his office during his lunch hour.
The “Meet Me at The Fair“ image features a trio of teenagers soaring above the midway on the Ferris wheel. Familiar rides and food vendors can be seen from this unique vantage point. The Channel Islands on the horizon and an elegant palm tree add an intimate feeling to the painting, unmistakably the Ventura County Fair. As the painting progressed it became a favorite of the artist’s oldest daughter Hanna, who requested a print of the painting for her upcoming 16th birthday. The painting was then modified to include Hanna and her brother Daniel, as well as the number 16 to commemorate the big day. Hanna received the original painting for her birthday. She has graciously allowed dear old dad to loan the image for use as the 2008 Ventura County Fair Poster.
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Artist’s Statement
Utilizing a palette of colors as rich and bold as Ojai itself, Artist Steve Mitchell captures the beauty, people and places of this Valley that he has called home since 1989 in sparkling detail.
With an extensive background in Commercial and Technical Illustration as well as Pen and Ink graphics, the high level of detail included in each unique piece of artwork comes naturally. Mr. Mitchell’s portfolio ranges from illuminated documents to woodcarving, custom banner and sign programs to sculpture and logo design. The series of works created exclusively for the Ojai Valley Inn are the result of quiet times spent exploring the grounds, observing the uniqueness and enjoying the beauty of this special place.
“My goal in creating a painting is to capture the beauty and inherent complexity of small events, common and not so common man made objects, and the natural world that surrounds us. There is an order in nature that is pleasing to the eye. Reproducing that order allows a moment to be captured and savored. The more detail and accuracy that I can add, the more pleasing the final product can become, both to me and to the viewer.
The decision to capture an image in oil on canvas is an opportunity to reflect the beauty that God has allowed to flourish all around us, especially here in Ventura County. Having grown up here, and being a resident of the Ojai Valley has given special meaning to many of the scenes that I have put to canvas. There is a great satisfaction in having someone else see the beauty of the area through my work.”
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