Dan Mitchell
Artist of the Month: Dan Mitchell
Dan Mitchell
I graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Peggy and I married in 1974 and raised two boys (now 44 and 42 years old). After graduating from Washington University, I joined a local architectural firm. I became a shareholder in the company, which eventually changed its name to Mackey Mitchell Architects, a national firm with many university clients.
While I took freehand sketching and drawing classes during my education, once my career began, I focused my energies on client relationships and contributing to the advancement of the practice. After a 40+ year career with the firm, I semi-retired in 2014 and fully retired in 2018.
As a child, I was fascinated with Lincoln Logs and would spend hours constructing miniature structures. Only after retirement, when my wife Peggy and I purchased a 40-acre lot in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, was I able to merge my childhood passion and my profession, designing a log home. Working with a log home crafter in Colorado was a great experience, and Peggy and I would travel back and forth between St. Louis and Colorado to enjoy the property and home with family and friends. We moved full time to Colorado when I semi-retired in 2014.
I never considered painting until we moved to PebbleCreek in 2023. I took several introductory classes in the fall of 2023, experimenting with both watercolor and acrylic paints. Ed Sprafkin, a visiting artist/instructor, has had a significant influence on my work and I continue to take classes with Ed as well as ongoing mentorship outside of class. I particularly enjoy landscape painting with my work focused on the landscapes of Sedona; the western slope of Colorado; Moab, Utah; and other regions in the U.S.
Peggy and I enjoy traveling and have visited many European countries. These experiences provided inspiration for my paintings of the Tuscany landscape and historic buildings in Germany.
Recently I have experimented with alcohol ink and have produced paintings on ceramic tiles of iconic images of Sedona and Superstition Mountain. I’m also a member of the Glass Arts Club at PebbleCreek and have experimented with fused glass projects using geometric shapes inspired by quilting patterns as well as using Glassline enamel paints on fusible glass.
I consider myself a student of the arts and look forward to advancing my skills and techniques in the future. I look forward to the influences of many of the Art Club members to inspire me and help elevate my skills.
My paintings can be seen during the month of November in the Creative Arts Center and both clubhouses.
November 8 Art Show Tickets in High Demand
Emily Grotta
Once again, demand is high for one of PebbleCreek’s most popular events, the Art Club’s Fall Show and Sale. If you want to go and have not yet reserved a spot, please go to pcartclubshows.com and search for tickets for the 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. viewings. If you have reserved tickets and cannot use them, please let us know at pebblecreekartclub@gmail.com or offer them on the egroup so someone else can use them.
Many of PebbleCreek’s most popular artists, who have been recognized through the Art Club’s monthly and yearly awards, will once again be offering up to three pieces for sale in this year’s show. Awards are given in each category: acrylic, oil, watercolor, colored pencil, drawing, pastel, mixed media, and 3D. There are also categories for professional artists who also sell their works in galleries or other outlets, and an emerging artist category for those who never entered the art show before.
The event includes live music and a complimentary glass of wine for each attendee. In addition, the club raffles seven baskets—worth $700 to $1,750 each—the proceeds of which cover all the additional overhead costs of the show. See the full contents of the baskets and purchase your raffle tickets in advance at pcartclubshows.com.
The Art Club offers many classes and events for those interested in painting in various mediums and also drawing. Your $25 membership gives you a $20 discount on all classes. Why not try it out?
Carla Cebrelli created this lovely painting with colored pencils, the subject of her class on Nov. 15.
November Art Club Classes for Novice Through Experienced Artists
Whether you are just beginning your art journey or have been painting for a while but there are gaps in your training, the Art Club has classes you will find rewarding and informative.
For the first time, PebbleCreek artist Duane Langston is offering four separate “Filling in the Gaps” classes covering subjects usually taught in college-level art school. The classes are appropriate for oil and acrylic painters and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fee for each class is $38 for members, $58 non-members. Please go to the website pcartclub.com and click on classes and event calendar for details on each session.
* Nov. 11: Materials and Design
* Nov. 13: Design and Value
* Nov. 14: Color Application
* Nov. 18: Brush Technique, Style & Detail
Two popular instructors are also teaching in November.
Ed Sprafkin returns with two two-session classes: “Painting Mentorship: All Media and Subjects.” The classes will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 and 12, and Nov. 19 and Dec. 3. Painters at all levels (other than absolute beginners) will learn from his demonstrations and individual one-on-one help. Ed will also teach on Dec. 10 and 17.
Carla Cebrelli, who regularly teaches drawing at the Art Club, has a new class: “Painting with Pencils” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 15. Open to all skill levels, students will create colorful art and improve their drawing skills while learning the principles of color theory, value, and composition. $44 for members, $64 for non-members.
Membership in the Art Club is $25 a year, which entitles you to a $20 discount on every class you take as well as special events for members, and open studios during the week when you can bring your project and paint in the company of your fellow artists.
Make every day Taco Tuesday with the contents of Basket 4. Have friends over for margaritas and tacos, make up a batch of drinks with your own margarita machine, and party with all that’s needed, including agave tequila.
Only One Week Left to Buy Your Raffle Tickets!
Emily Grotta
If you may not be able to get to the Fall Art Show and Sale on Nov. 8, you can still buy tickets online for the seven beautiful baskets worth as much as $1,750. Each basket was carefully assembled to appeal to residents who enjoy the PebbleCreek lifestyle. Bourbon fans are putting all their raffle tickets into Basket 2: Call me Old Fashioned! While card players are hoping to win Basket 3: Let’s Play Mahjong, Samba, and Canasta.
Raffle tickets are 40 for $20 and can be purchased online at pcartclubshows.com or in person at the show. The contents of each basket are online for you to see. Which fits your fancy?
Remember, raffle tickets are like the lottery: You have to buy a ticket to win!