"My paintings are all about the development and process of an idea. It starts with a concept, and I keep layering it with light and value, then the form is revealed, but it must work with the characteristics of the mediums and structures I provide. Only then can it develop within the composition" Steve Mitts
Since graduating with an BFA from the University of Calgary in 1994, Steve Mitts has been a professional artist. His main discipline is working in acrylics on canvas, wood panels or stretched paper. In his early career, as well as having his work in exhibitions in galleries, he presented his work in various publications and caught the attention of the Historic Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton. The Hotel MacDonald selected Steve's work, which led to a 6-year solo exhibition of his paintings. His art work then took him to Ontario where he worked on ceiling murals as well as countless projects and commissions, one involving the production of over 40 paintings. He took time away, over the last 6 years, to focus and develop new paintings and concepts which he is now proud to present.
"The form of this shallow relief painting is evident through its structured grid, but the gentle
subject matter is formidable and does not fight the strength of it's confines but joins. It is in this unity that the painting is defined". Steve Mitts
The Work
Steve's work combines two of his loves, painting and woodworking. The work explores the mixing of mediums, uniting the two in a multitude of forms and textures. His paintings have always explored the themes of the Renaissance, a time period he has studied most of his career. The subject matter consists of musicians, or individuals finding a place of solitude to read or write or contemplate their surroundings. These were common themes of the Renaissance period, and reside in his paintings today.
His paintings encapsulate an image or an idea typical from the age, and within these presentations they are strengthened with the segmented old wood. The addition of this wood seems natural since his work consists of heavy texture and value, due to the high concentration of gels and layers.
"Wood provides a new concept for which the image is held, it is geometric and structured, but still allows the subject to be identified and purposeful." Steve Mitts
The Presentation
Each of the paintings is made using 100-year-old barn wood. The wood is used throughout the painting as segments within the painting, as well as creating the outer frame. The wood, for the most part, remains the way it was found, weathered from the sun, rain and wind. It reveals the many elements that impacted the woods appearance over the years. The front and outer frame has been minimally sanded, presenting the exposed wood in its entirety. The paintings are sealed with a UV rated polyurethane and have appropriate hangers on the back. The Wood Block series is hung with heavy gauge wire and the Canvas Series has built in wood hangers, to accommodate these larger and heavier pieces.
Please contact us with any questions you may have about customizing the paintings, presentations or if you would like to discuss possible commissions.