Mitchell Long

My work is both realistic and abstract. I’ve been working by direct observation (a realistic approach) for 20 years. But I use washes, dots, lines, broad and blurred strokes and untouched paper or panel to interpret what I observe, thus turning my work into realistic abstraction. I use these techniques to create unified space — the illusion of the third dimension on a two-dimensional plane.

I work directly from life using oil paint on panel or paper.  I deal with two-dimensional space and attempt to solve the problem of how best to create the illusion of the third dimension.  My work is precise in structure while gestural in application, creating a surface that feels alive. I am drawn to subject matter that has an aura of nostalgia, such as New Orleans French Quarter cityscapes and old kitchens.