Featured work by Ged Mitchell

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, 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!

School life was dull with the exception of art, which I excelled in, and was looked upon well by the art teacher there. He singled out the talented from each year and saw to it that we received more lessons in art than the ‘brainy’ kids who studied more of the 3 R’s. So it seems that I am a product of my poor education and I have to say I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Gleaming 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 colour to create a pleasing image invaluable in my work as a painter. My photograph’s are my sketchpad and are a constant source of reference.

My interest in art was rekindled in late 1979 when I was bought a small box of watercolours, and what started as a hobby then became my passion. Maybe it’s because the route I took was an unconventional one, but I am still uncomfortable with the title ‘Artist’. I see myself more as a painter and/or watercolourist.

My main outlets for my work were previously at local art centres and major craft fairs. I’ve also had a number of one man shows throughout the past 20 years.

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 work – for which I am eternally grateful.