Alfred Richard Mitchell Paintings

Alfred Richard Mitchell was an American painter known for his landscape paintings, particularly those depicting scenes of Southern California. Born on December 12, 1888, in York, Pennsylvania, Mitchell moved with his family to San Diego, California, in 1908. The natural beauty of the region captivated him, and he began to pursue art seriously, inspired by the California landscape.

Mitchell’s education in art began at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied from 1913 to 1916 under the tutelage of prominent artists such as Daniel Garber and Thomas Anshutz. During World War I, he served in the military, and after his service, he returned to San Diego and became deeply involved in the local art scene.

In the 1920s, Mitchell continued his education, studying at the Art Students League in New York City, where he was influenced by the Ashcan School, a movement that focused on portraying everyday life with realism. Despite this influence, Mitchell's work remained primarily focused on landscapes rather than urban scenes.

Mitchell's work is characterized by its vibrant colors and impressionistic style. He often painted en plein air, capturing the changing light and colors of the California coast, mountains, and deserts. His paintings frequently featured eucalyptus trees, a subject for which he developed a particular affinity. Throughout his career, Mitchell remained dedicated to his craft, often painting the same scenes multiple times to perfect his technique and capture the essence of the landscape.

Mitchell was an active member of the San Diego art community and a founding member of the Contemporary Artists of San Diego. He was also a member of the La Jolla Art Association and the Laguna Beach Art Association, contributing to the growth of art communities in Southern California. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely, including at the San Francisco Art Association, the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935, and the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939.

Alfred Richard Mitchell’s legacy is preserved in the collections of several institutions, including the San Diego Museum of Art and the Irvine Museum. His contributions to the California plein air tradition have made him a significant figure in the history of American art. Mitchell passed away on July 17, 1972, in San Diego, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated for its luminous depiction of the California landscape.