Steve Mitts -Art of Distinction

09/05/2026

Recently, I have been asked by three new galleries to have either solo exhibitions or become part of their gallery representation. It has been a busy few weeks, to say the least.
Interestingly, all three galleries made similar observations: the work is complex without being overbearing or complicated. I agree, and I think that is a difficult balance to pull off when the structure is made up of individual segments and small moments of narrative.
I thought I would share some of these close up details from a few of my favourite paintings throughout this series. Most of these are now in private collections, which makes being able to look back at them especially meaningful.
I am genuinely overwhelmed by the response from the galleries and from the patrons who have connected with this work. After spending so much time developing this series, it is incredibly rewarding to see these paintings continue their journey into new collections and spaces. Please enjoy!

09/01/2026

Every idea for a painting begins with a sketch. For me, those sketches often come from observation, things I notice myself, or perspectives shared by others.
Over the years, I have come to really value the few people I trust enough to show my work to while it is still developing. They don't necessarily criticize or suggest what I should change; they simply offer perspective. When I am deeply involved in the structure of a painting, I can sometimes become too close to it. Fresh eyes can reveal things I may have overlooked.
That has certainly been the case with this series.
What begins as a flat sketch can gradually transform through many stages into something much more sculptural. Elements are added, removed, repositioned and reconsidered until the painting becomes as much a physical object as an image.
Artists can become very focused on what they believe is working. I know I have. Learning when to hold onto an idea and when to listen to another perspective has been an important part of my growth as an artist. I haven't always been particularly good at it, my wife could certainly attest to that, but over the years I've learned to use those perspectives to my advantage.
To those who have taken the time to look, question, encourage and offer an honest opinion along the way, I am grateful.
To those who have patiently trudged through the process with me, sometimes willingly, sometimes perhaps unwittingly, but always respectfully, I simply say thank you. You can view this piece"The Green Curtain" at https://www.facebook.com/MarrowCamrose? if still available it will be going to a selected gallery in November. You can view my current exhibition in person at https://www.facebook.com/RedBrickCommon or view the work on line at https://www.stevemitts.com/copy-of-museum-catalogue

08/28/2026

I truly love the amazing environment at the Marrow Restaurant & Lounge. The management and staff are wonderful and promote my artwork so well, they encourage patrons to walk around and see what's new and around each turn. Please enjoy a visit to the Marrow and check out the work in person.

08/24/2026

“The Green Curtain” has now joined my ongoing exhibition at The Marrow in Camrose. https://www.facebook.com/MarrowCamrose? When I began developing this piece, I was thinking about how the history of an object can become part of a new story. I start each work by looking through my collection of reclaimed wood, selecting pieces whose character, shape, age, and previous life can contribute to the concept I am developing.
About a year ago, a patron gave me several ornate pieces from a headboard believed to have been fashioned in the late 1800s. They sat in my studio, waiting for the right opportunity. When I began developing the shallow-relief structure for The Green Curtain, I knew these pieces had found their place. Their age, craftsmanship, and history became another layer within the work.
For me, these paintings are not simply about reclaiming old materials. They are about bringing histories together. The wood has a story before it reaches me, and through my process I join that story with my own. What once belonged to something else is displaced, reassembled, and given a new purpose.
In many ways, this is what makes the setting at The Marrow such a natural home for my work. A historic structure has itself been given new life as an amazing dining experience. Its character, warmth, and charm create an environment that feels wonderfully connected to the layered history and materiality within my paintings.
I’m very pleased to have The Green Curtain join the other original works currently on display at The Marrow.
If you’re in Camrose, stop in, enjoy the atmosphere and dining experience, and take some time to see the paintings in person. You can see more of my work at https://www.stevemitts.com

08/18/2026

I wanted to make an amendment on a previous post. I mentioned cultural days were to be held on August 19th in Stony Plain at the Red Brick Common. This was a mistake on my part. Cultural days are to be held on September 19th. I will be at the gallery from 1-3. Sorry for the confusion, too much going on in the studio! Lol. Hope it works out to see you.

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

Showing my work in a setting such as this is so rewarding. The Red Brick Common is a historical structure that dates to the time of the materials I use in my own pieces. It feels inviting and warm to be back. Viewing the work here in this quiet venue is a great opportunity to just slow down and connect with what you are seeing. Please enjoy!!

08/10/2026

On Thursday, I had the opening of my exhibition at the https://www.facebook.com/RedBrickCommon? and it was truly wonderful. There was such a warm energy in the room, and I was deeply grateful to everyone who came out to share the evening with me.
I had hoped to have my latest piece ready for the opening, but as I’ve learned over many years, you simply cannot rush the process. When I try, the work suffers, and for me, that’s just not worth it.
I’m pleased to finally introduce "The Green Curtain". This is a very ambitious painting, incorporating rich, reclaimed wood edges and a series of carefully shaped inserts that build the structure of the piece. The wood becomes much more than a frame; it is an integral part of the painting, creating layers, depth, texture, and a presence that is difficult to fully appreciate in a photograph.
Together, these elements create something quite unique and, I hope, memorable.
The Green Curtain will be making its way to https://www.facebook.com/MarrowCamrose in the coming days, where it will be available to experience in person. If it remains available, I will also be taking it, along with several other works, to a gallery exhibition in November.
I’m very pleased with how this one has come together, and even more pleased that I allowed it the time it needed. You can now review my newest exhibit catalogue at https://www.stevemitts.com/

08/07/2026

Last night was a very special evening for me as I opened my exhibition, Held in Balance, at the https://www.facebook.com/RedBrickCommon? Stony Plain.
The last time I had an opening night at this wonderful venue, my youngest daughter, Katie was just six months old. That was 23 years ago. To find myself standing in that same gallery again, all these years later, surrounded by my paintings and by so many wonderful people, was a moment I found myself quietly reflecting on.
So much can happen in 23 years. Children grow, life changes, and an artist continues to paint, evolve, and find new ways of expressing what he sees and feels. Returning to this gallery after all this time felt like a small piece of that journey coming full circle.
Last night exceeded my expectations. The exhibition was extremely well attended, and the room carried a vibrancy and energy that I had not anticipated but was deeply appreciative of. Seeing people moving through the gallery, talking about the work, discovering paintings that spoke to them, and reconnecting with those who have collected my work over the years made the evening particularly meaningful.
Our wonderful hosts, Fiona and Brooklyn, were gracious and incredibly accommodating. They created such a welcoming environment for the many collectors who came to see the exhibition, as well as for those discovering my work for the first time.
And to everyone who made the journey to Stony Plain, thank you. Whether you came from nearby or made a longer trip, your presence was genuinely appreciated. An opening is never really about the artist alone; it is about the people who take the time to come, to look, to ask questions, to share a conversation, and to connect with the work.
Held in Balance will remain at the Red Brick Common Gallery until October 27, so there is still plenty of time to experience the exhibition in person.
I will also be preparing a catalogue of the exhibition, which will be available on my website, https://www.stevemitts.com/ very soon.

08/04/2026

Today I installed my latest exhibition to be held at the Red Brick Common gallery. I am really looking forward to the opening on Thursday August 6, 6-8. Please join me if you can. It will be a wonderful way to spend a summer evening!