Dwayne Mitchell’s journey into the art world began simply, with sticks and sand as his earliest tools. Raised in the coastal village of McClellanville, South Carolina, Mitchell found creativity wherever he could.
“Growing up in McClellanville in the 1960s, my brothers and I always had to go outside and play,” Mitchell recalled. “We didn’t have iPads or video games, so we had to get creative with our fun. Drawing in the sand was our favorite way to pass the time. Drawing and painting is still one of my favorite ways to have fun.”
Those simple beginnings fostered Mitchell’s appreciation for creativity in its purest form, influencing his authentic and unpretentious approach to art.
Formal training and early career
From those humble beginnings, Mitchell developed a lifelong passion for capturing beauty and emotion. Today, he creates acclaimed oil portraits from his studio in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. His ability to reflect emotional depth and authenticity has brought widespread admiration.
Mitchell moved to Atlanta after high school, enrolling at the Art Institute of Atlanta. There, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in commercial and advertising art. Though he excelled in graphic design, collaborating with companies like Coldwell Banker and Crown Diamond Center, his heart remained with fine art.
“Even though I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta to pursue a degree in visual communication, my true passion has always been capturing people through painting or drawing,” Mitchell explained.
During this period, Mitchell honed his technical skills, setting the stage for his later shift to fine art portraiture.
A transformative mentorship
In 1984, a pivotal moment transformed Mitchell’s artistic direction. He met Hoeun Chung, a renowned master portrait artist whose mentorship profoundly influenced him. Chung’s guidance provided Mitchell with inspiration to embrace portraiture fully.
“Throughout my life, I have always been fascinated by people,” Mitchell shared. “It wasn’t until I met Master Hoeun Chung that I realized you could actually make a living from doing what you love. I was amazed to see someone thriving in this field, and I knew I had to learn everything I could from him.”
“Despite his tough teaching style, he was worth every challenge. When I paint, I always have him in mind, guiding me through every stroke. And the funny thing is, he only charged me a pack of golf balls each month.”
Mitchell fully transitioned to fine art oil painting in 2005, quickly gaining acclaim for his meticulous attention to detail.
Capturing emotional authenticity
Mitchell’s portraits hang in prestigious institutions, including Morehouse College and the Hamilton County Courthouse in Tennessee. His artistic philosophy centers on emotional authenticity.
“I have always considered myself a people person,” Mitchell explained. “I am naturally drawn to others, and it seems like they are drawn to me as well. As an artist, I believe we have a special ability to not only observe people but to truly understand them.”
“I find beauty in every aspect of people’s lives, whether they are laughing or crying. All of their emotions are reflected on their faces, and some find it difficult to conceal them. The challenge, which I truly accept, is trying to capture that emotion.”
Meaningful projects and personal connections
One of Mitchell’s most meaningful projects involved painting portraits honoring victims of the Atlanta Child Murders. Having lived in Atlanta during that tragic era, he felt deeply connected to the families.
“The missing and murdered children of Atlanta really hit home for me,” Mitchell recalled. “My brother and I were living here during that time, and I vividly remember the curfew that was imposed.”
“It was a tough project for me because, as I read about each child, I felt a profound sense of loss for their families,” he continued. “It’s something no family should ever have to go through. But I knew I had to finish the project to hopefully bring some closure and comfort to the families.”
Another significant project was painting Japanese author and peace activist Daisaku Ikeda. Mitchell’s portrait of Ikeda is now prominently displayed in Japan, a great honor for him.
“Painting Mr. Daisaku Ikeda was a huge honor, and having my painting displayed in Japan was a dream come true,” Mitchell said. “I mean, it doesn’t get any better than that … he is the Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi of Japan.”
The legacy at Morehouse College
Morehouse College occupies a special place in Mitchell’s artistic and personal life, connected deeply through his mentor Chung.
“Morehouse holds a special place in my heart because it is the university where my mentor used to paint,” Mitchell explained. “I would often accompany him to the college and admire all of his artwork in complete amazement.”
“When my mentor passed away and Morehouse was in need of portrait artists, I decided to apply. Dr. Lawrence Carter asked me to bring in some of my work for approval. I remember him silently studying my pieces and then consulting with his colleagues. Afterward, they all agreed that I was the next portrait artist for Morehouse.”
Community engagement and mentorship
Today, Mitchell actively supports aspiring artists through mentoring and workshops. He sees guiding new talent as essential to his artistic journey. Through community events and charitable contributions, he also regularly donates artwork to support education and youth programs.
Constant inspiration
Everyday life continually inspires Mitchell. He finds inspiration everywhere, from interactions in restaurants to family moments at the beach.
“People will always be my inspiration, no matter where I am,” he said. “I see images that I would like to capture on canvas. Whether it’s at a restaurant and the server is caring, bringing your food to the table, or at a beach where a mother is with her children or even at a baseball game where the crowd is going wild.”
Represented by The Portrait Agency, Mitchell continues creating meaningful, emotive artwork. Each new commission offers an exciting narrative to explore.
“Every new commission is a unique story, a chance to create something truly meaningful,” Mitchell concluded. “That’s why I paint.”
To commission artwork or purchase existing pieces, visit theportraitagency.com or email dartportraits@dwaynemitchellart.com.
