About the artist
Carisa Mitchell, MFA, M.Ed.
Contemporary Impressionist Painter & Educator
My creative practice is an expressive exploration of light, atmosphere, and the vibrant immediacy of oil paint. Grounded in 20 years of professional dedication as a working artist, my career bridges the gap between structured academic foundations and a loose, contemporary impressionist approach to the canvas.
My technical path is shaped by a rigorous multi-degree background from Mississippi Christian University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, a Master of Education in Studio Art, and a Master of Fine Arts in Two-Dimensional Design. This dual-master’s track forms the backbone of both my studio habits and my philosophy as an instructor, bringing together an expert understanding of structural space, visual design, and intentional education.
I believe an impactful painting does not simply record a subject; it captures a fleeting sensory moment before the light shifts. Every work is a celebratory exploration of the raw physical medium. Painting exclusively on archival supports such as premium canvas and custom wood panels, I use bold, visible brushwork and broken color layers to construct deep, luminous textures. By allowing the energy of individual marks to remain visible, I create expressive, museum-quality canvases that invite the viewer’s eye to actively participate in blending light and color.
Studies of shifting weather patterns, dynamic horizons, and the active filtration of light through trees. Rather than a static geographic record, the focus rests on translating the immediate emotional energy and light temperature of a living environment.
Spontaneous, close-up examinations of organic growth, twisting vines, and dappled sunlight. These works exchange rigid detail for expressive, painterly brushwork that captures the vibrant essence and movement of the natural world.
An exploration of light passing over everyday objects and studio vignettes. Broken color layers and visible, energetic brushstrokes transform simple arrangements into fresh, open-ended visual statements that celebrate structural weight, form, and luminous optical depth.
With 10 years of college-level teaching experience, my work lives in a dual-studio ecosystem designed to serve both patrons and students.
Carisa Mitchell Fine Art is my official secure gallery, where private collectors can browse active collections, track exhibition histories, and safely acquire original fine art.
Dogwood and Vine is the companion studio where my M.Ed. background and collegiate teaching experience come to life. It is an extension of my private art studio, where I share step-by-step painting tutorials, archival material lists, and deep dives into academic creative processes.
Collector inquiries
For available works, commissions, or collecting questions, I would be glad to hear from you.
Thank you for supporting independent fine art. Whether you are looking to invest in an original piece for your home or deepen your own understanding of the craft, I invite you to join my journey.