WHO
Ann Mitchell
WHAT
A mixed media self taught portrait artist. Her artistic repertoire blends an array of mediums including oils, collage, pen and ink, acrylic paint, and gold leaf, infusing each piece with a vibrant, ethereal quality. With roots in mosaic artistry, Ann introduces a textured complexity to her portraits, which narrate deep, universal tales of the human experience.
Ann’s art has an otherworldly yet contemporary feel to it.
Ann's work is characterized by its vivid, dream-like aesthetics that artfully show the scars of life with the beauty of resilience. Her portraits not only highlight the sensuality and pride of their subjects but also echo the enduring strength and courage of women.
WHEN
Creating art since taking early retirement
WHERE
Resides in Gallen Co Offaly
WHY
Ann uses her art as a form of personal expression; it allows her to process her thoughts, experiences, and emotions.
Art is her saviour, her purpose.
Her choice of materials collage, ink, oil, acrylic and gold leaf adds depth and intensity to her portraits. Each portrait reflects her personal journey, also a broader, universal stories of the human condition. The layering of different materials represent the complexity of life stories, highlighting the scars and the beauty of her subjects
Through the art, she aims to evoke a sense of empowerment, portraying women as proud and resilient warriors
Ann is an accomplished international artist, with her works being sold in Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, among other countries. Her ability to reach collectors across the globe reflects the broad appeal and versatility of her art.
PRESS
https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2024/06/17/offaly-artist-to-stage-joint-exhibition-in-tullamore/
https://www
rtist
https://www.theartworldpost.com/ann-mitchell-embracing-the-human-experience-through-mixed-media-portraiture/
Featured in Art Team Magazine
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/980526ef15.html
https://www.instagram.com/artteammagazine/
Featured in
https://paganireland.com/
Artist Features
https://www.theartworldpost.com/ann-mitchell-embracing-the-human-experience-through-mixed-media-portraiture/
.offalyindependent.ie/2022/07/26/my-days-are-filled-with-art-and-happiness/
https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/05/09/ann-set-to-launch-solo-exhibition-next-weekend/
https://www.visitoffaly.ie/events/the-female-gaze-by-ann-mitchell-and-enrique-lazzaro/
ATHLONE COMMUNITY RADIO INTERVIEW
https://m.mixcloud.com/AthloneCommunityRadio/athlone-today-ann-mitchell-offaly-based-irish-mixed-media-artist-anniemae-art-07122023/?fbclid=IwAR1q1yNpzwEUzlJTY9jyC1_WCwD3Xec7dG9XOhHBBv4-iDpiwME3qOi9SA0
Featured A
Website
https://www.instagram.com/anniemae_art/
https://www.anniemaeart.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/anniemae.art/
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
As a resident artist, her work is on continuous display at Urban Oasis art Gallery in Tullamore.
Poets and Warriors at Laragh House in Maynooth 2022
Renzo Gallery Cafe Galway city 2022
“Raw” at the Village in Burgess Village 2021
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Showed artworks in the Chimera Gallery in Mullingar, the Luan Gallery in Athlone, and the Tilehouse Gallery in Donegal.
She has also been featured in thematic exhibition cycles at TOVA, such as "I am not the body," "Hedgewitch," and "Constellations." 2022
“Did you know” Joint exhibition with Vincent Devine 2023
A Joint Exhibition with Caroline Barry in Portumna Castle 2023
Ireland's first Community Energy Charter, an initiative crafted by Public Participation Networks and affiliated organisations. Ann's art was displayed alongside the creations of other incredible artists projected in the background at Esker Arts Tullamore.
September 2024 a joint exhibition with Enrique Lazzaro, celebrating the female face and figure in Urban Oasis art gallery Tullamore
https://enriquelazzaro.com/
Solo exhibition in Third Space Smithfield 2024
Upcoming Exhibitions
Solo exhibition in Darog Wine Bar Galway 2025
Solo exhibition Birr Arts Theatre in October 2025
Art Source Dublin 2025
Some testimonials:
"Annie’s art work is to me incredible, captivating & mesmerising, you cannot help but keep staring at it , it draws you right in , you will know the one that’s for you because you will be drawn in , captivated by it and boy you will know it , you will want to have it , SOLD! Right there& then ,incredible artwork for your home , it’s a stand alone piece of work ,everyone will be talking about it when they see it in your home,I bought mine from Annie , quick honest & friendly service, she will answer any questions you have & will make sure your very happy with your purchase, it’s fast & efficient, you feel like Annie has personally delivered it to you,so why wait ? You won’t regret it ,you’ll be glad you bought it!
Those who have one of Annie’s artworks and is reading this , well then you know! Best piece of art investment I’ve ever made"
– Caroline Yeates, artist.
"I came across Annie through a friend and when I saw her masterpieces, I had to have one. No easy task as it would require getting the piece across the world but we did it! I commissioned a large piece and I must admit, I wasn’t sure of exactly sure what I wanted. Annie was patient and understanding. Through messaging, we got the perfect design. My piece arrived last week in Australia and I am over the moon, she is gorgeous - even better than I had hoped for.
Annie us truly gifted, she made the process seamless and I am honoured to have one of her pieces in our home. Thank you millions Annie"
– Linda, buyer from Australia
"Beautiful work, complex, chaotic and calm" – John Shinu, photographer
Poets & Warriors solo exhibition in Laragh House Maynooth
https://emiliatarahroberts.art.blog/
Interview questions and answers
- What initially inspired you to pursue painting (mixed media) as a form of artistic expression
I love experimenting with a variety of materials, to use them in a unique way. Mixed media offers freedom. I use paper, ink, gold leaf, acrylic oil. I love adding layers and texture to the artwork. It is so freeing and allows me to express myself
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Can you describe your creative process from ideation to completion of a painting?
I am always thinking ahead as I am creating one piece, my idea for the next is forming in my head. They are all connected to each other, and have a general theme. Mostly celebrating the female face and form, the strength, resilience, and beauty we as humans have in our possession.
I prepare the canvas maybe add spray paint, and add acrylic ink to the background, until I am happy with it.
I start with a rough stretch and progress from there. I then add the collage to suit the form. This is quiet pain staking and can take a couple of weeks. After the collage is laid down I work into it using pen, ink and a variety of media, I go with the flow of it, everything can change, that is the beauty of it, when the magic happens.
When I finish the piece I seal it with varnish
I love to work on large statement pieces which take about a month to complete.
- What themes or subjects do you typically explore in your artwork, and why do they resonate with you?
My portraits have an otherworldly ethereal feel to them which I love. They portray deep tales of the human condition, the co existence of scars and beauty, universal shared experiences. They emphasize the resilience and strength of women, symbolizing their power and courage.
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How do you choose the medium and materials for each piece, and how does this affect the final outcome
I have a treasure trove of materials to choose from. I hunt through vintage shops for suitable magazines and books I can use for the images. I shred the images and make them my own
The materials I use reflect the piece I am working on. If it’s for a specific theme for an exhibition I will add details that suit that theme. For example “Love, death, heart and bone” the name of a large statement piece I added skulls, a heart beating, the colour red to symbolise love
- Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your style or approach to painting
I am inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi a pioneering female painter born in Rome from the17th century. Artemisia Gentileschi paved the way for Women artists, in a male dominated area.
Also by Lisa Cabellut a modern Spanish artist who creates large scale portraits with a traditional but contempory feel to them
- What role does experimentation play in your artistic practice, and how do you incorporate new techniques or ideas into your work?
Experimentation means evolving, and discovering new textures and ways of seeing things. I am very open to change. I like stepping out of my comfort, I have recently being dipping my brush into oil painting and I love it.
- Could you walk us through one of your recent or favourite pieces, discussing its inspiration, process, and significance to you?
The female face and form
Chimera is one of my favourite pieces. Maybe it’s because I was a twin, but my twin passed away a long time ago. I love the idea of two souls in one.
The warm soft colours evoke feelings of love and care. They have each others backs. If you look closely you will see so much more that meets the eye. I love the softness and strength of her
I prepared the canvas first. I layer down a number of different colours with acrylic and spray paint
I sketched out the faces
I added collage then I worked into the collage with acrylic, pen, ink, and various mediums
She is a large piece quiet stunning she measures 30x40 inches
When it was dry signed it and sealed it with varnish.
Added the fixtures needed to hang her and I was done!
- What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your artwork?
I would love the viewers to see their own strength and beauty, to connect with the emotions looking back at them. To find comfort and joy in the art and in the world
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Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions you're excited about and how they fit into your artistic journey?
I am delighted to be featured on the front cover of https://www.instagram.com/artteammagazine/
In their next edition
I am Urban Oasis resident artist and my art is displayed there all year
A joint exhibition with the amazing Enrique Lazzaro https://www.instagram.com/enriquelazzaro/ in September in Urban Oasis Tullamore
Also a solo exhibition in Thirdspace gallery cafe in Smithfield Dublin October 2024
A joint exhibition with Enrique Larazzo in 2025
A solo exhibition in Tullamore Library April 2025
A solo exhibition in Darog Wine Bar Galway October 2025
A solo exhibition in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre October 2025
I am only starting my art journey so life is good and thank you so much Emilia for this opportunity to tell my story. I really appreciate it
Ann Mitchell
