Ged Mitchell

Artist Biography

Amazingly I find myself thinking about how I initially got interested in painting and how I became an artist. I say amazingly because it was never really meant to be, at least never in my wildest dreams. However, after taking the plunge in 1988 I have continued to make my living from my art, prints and posters, even though I didn't get off to the best of starts by failing my 11+. I attended The Manchester Primary School and keen to encourage my flagging self-esteem; they offered me a place at art school. This was, however, turned down by my parents for all sorts of logistical and practical reasons, and with no creative or artistic family background it was quickly decided that a more conventional education was for me. What I got was anything but.

Gleaning precious little I left school at 15 years with no formal qualifications, never having sat an exam, something unthinkable today. I took a job as a photographer's assistant and thought the position was a brief one, however, the seed was sewn and photography has been of great interest to me ever since. It has taught me much about composition and the use of light and color to create a pleasing image invaluable in my work as a painter of art, prints and posters. My photograph's are my sketchpad and are a constant source of reference.

In 1992 I opened my own art gallery, but after six wonderful years I found that my painting time was becoming less and less. I was instead being taken up by the day to day running of the gallery. So in 1998 I decided to go back to painting full-time which was a big decision for me, having grown accustomed to the steady income the gallery provided. However, painting is, and always will be, my passion and it wasn't long before the commissions started rolling in again. Local established outlets continue to adorn their walls with my art, prints and posters, for which I am eternally grateful.

Ged Mitchell Art, Prints and Posters Collection