Tonya Mitchell

It has been years since I have painted a portrait and I have to say it was with trepidation that I accepted a commission to paint this attractive couple. But from beginning to end it has been a delight. The commission was for a Christmas present and has been given, received and loved so I can share my last piece of work for 2025.  Working on this and seeing it received with such joy and love, made me ponder on the nature of an oil painting. It is not a direct replica of the person or image, it is never going to carry the same near perfection of a photograph but it has something more authentic. It has the work that shows someone spent time contemplating this person, object or place. It is the representation of the spirit of the person, or place. I might be changed to enhance the feeling of time or mood, to pop in what is important and leave out what really does not matter. I have spent years wondering why work so hard painting a landscape from a photo when after all the photo is the...

 Tulip Glass Vase  These photos show the recent glass vase I pained as a commission. It is different to most flower work I have done. Usually I cover the base of the glass with grass and flowers, but this time for tulips which are top heavy but elegant flowers I kept the design simple. I hope you like it. Don't forget I am available for commissions of glass or oil paintings, Please get in touch if you are interested in any cards prints or original oils. 

 Glass from the past  This week I have worked on a piece of hand painted glass. It is not available to show as yet because it was commissioned as a gift, so until it has been received, I cannot show it. However, this work made me remember all the other glass I have worked on over the last 4 years. It seems much longer than 4 years since I started painting glass but here are some of the pieces I have created. I use Folkart enamel for glass. Once it has air dried for 21 days it is safe to was. I have no glass to sell as it is usually commissioned or sells almost straight away.   If you would like a piece of glass uniquely hand painted to keep or give as a friend please get in touch

 Barkers Mill Barnard Castle This weeks painting in focus has been sold but I have 4 prints in stock:1 standard, 1 medium, and 1 large; one framed print, and one card. This painting has been one of my most popular paintings. It represents a huddle of houses on the Barnard Castle side of the Tees. The end building was originally an old corn mill run by water wheel. You can still see the course where the water wheel was situated. It dates back to 1540 and is situated in Grey Lane. The view across the Tees from the Startforth side of the river is very picturesque making this an attractive and historic view. The original painting has been sold but I have 4 prints one framed print and one card available at focus of the week prices. Prices for mounted and signed prints are standard £15.00; Medium £25.00; Large £45.00 and the framed print is £150.00. These prices will only stand until 27 th March.  The card remains at £4.00.  

The painting in focus is meant to give people a chance to buy a favourite painting, print of card at a special deal price. Having thought about it, one week is very tight for people to decide and then buy. Therefore, I feel a month will be fair. Also, I did not make it totally clear last week that this is on a first come first served basis; once the stock I have is gone, prices will inevitably change. Last week I set out plans for the painting in focus and I said I would start with original paintings I still own.  This just proves I can’t keep to my own rules because this week the painting in focus has been sold!  It is a painting that was done quite a few years ago, but due to its subject and dramatic lighting it has remained a popular print. The Buttermart in Barnard castle has a rich history from when and why it was built to its gunshot holes in the weather cock. But, like all long-lived buildings it has become an iconic feature of Barnard castle. There are three prints...

 Summerhill Force remains one of my favourite paintings that I have ever painted.  Summerhill Force. Oil on Linen canvas , size length 82cm x hight 61cm painted in 2021 Once I had decided to a painting in focus each week, I thought I would work through paintings I still own as originals. This one is an absolute favourite of mine so I thought I would start here. I love the water and the light in this painting. It holds a romantic atmosphere, where I would not be surprised to meet any member of the faye folk hiding behind a tree. The place itself is a short walk upstream  from Bowlees Visitor centre. The stream is so beautiful it bubbles and dances all the way down the fell.  As I said, I do still own this original and I am happy to do that, if only to remind myself that I can actually paint but also, it encapsulates why I paint.   I paint to celebrate beauty and am reminded of Philippians 4:8 ' . . .continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. ...