Dean Mitchell facts for kids

Dean Mitchell (born 1957) is an amazing American artist. He is known for his beautiful paintings, especially using watercolor and oil. His art often shows scenes and people from African American culture. People love his work because it shows deep feelings and is very well designed.

About Dean Mitchell

Dean Mitchell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1957. He grew up in Quincy, Florida. After finishing high school, he went to the Columbus College of Art and Design. He studied illustration there and graduated in 1980.

After college, Mitchell moved to Kansas City, Missouri. He started working as an illustrator for Hallmark Cards. He worked there for three years. During this time, he also began entering art contests around the country and the world. In 1983, he decided to become a full-time painter.

Mitchell's artwork has been featured in many articles. His paintings are part of important collections in museums and companies. Some of these include the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Saint Louis Art Museum also has his work.

There is even a children's book about his life. It is called Against All Odds: Artist Dean Mitchell's Story. Mitchell has also designed US postage stamps. For example, he created the 1995 Louis Armstrong stamp for the Jazz Musician series.

Exhibitions and Art Themes

Dean Mitchell's art has been shown in many places. He has had solo shows and been part of group exhibitions. These shows have taken place in museums and art centers across the United States.

One of his solo exhibitions was called A Dean Mitchell Anthology. It was held at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art in Kansas in 1996. This show featured his architectural watercolors, oil paintings, and portraits.

In 2005, the Mississippi Museum of Art hosted Backbone: Dean Mitchell's Images of African-American Men. This special exhibition included 45 portraits of African-American men. Another notable show was Dean Mitchell's New Orleans in 2008. This exhibition showed his paintings inspired by the city of New Orleans.

His work often explores important themes. He has painted about poverty and the human spirit. He also creates art that shows everyday life and places. His paintings help people see the world through his unique artistic vision.