2008 Ventura County Fair Poster unveiled
Steve Mitchell is 2008 Ventura County Fair Poster Artist
Santa Paula News
Published: July 09, 2008
A native Santa Paulan has been selected as the 2008 Ventura County Fair Poster Artist with his oil painting representing this year’s theme, “Meet me at the Fair.” Steve Mitchell was born in Santa Paula and raised in Fillmore. In 1963 he moved to Ventura, where he lived until 1989. Steve and his family then moved to Ojai, where they currently reside.
The “Meet me at the Fair” image features a trio of teenagers soaring above the midway on the Ferris wheel. Familiar rides and food vendors can be seen from this unique vantage point. The Channel Islands on the horizon and an elegant palm tree add an intimate feeling to this painting, unmistakably the Ventura County Fair.
As the painting progressed, it became a favorite of the artist’s oldest daughter, Hanna, who requested a print of the painting for her 16th birthday. The painting was then modified to include Hanna and her brother Daniel, as well as the number 16 to commemorate the big day. Hanna received the original painting for her birthday. She has graciously allowed “dear old Dad” to loan the image for use as the 2008 Ventura County Fair Poster.
With an extensive background in commercial and technical illustration, as well as pen and ink graphics, the high level of detail in each unique piece of Mitchell’s artwork comes naturally. His portfolio ranges from illuminated documents to woodcarving, custom banner and sign programs to sculpture and logo design.
“My goal in creating a painting is to capture the beauty and inherent complexity of small events, common and not so common manmade objects, and the natural world that surrounds us,” Mitchell says. “There is an order in nature that is pleasing to the eye. Reproducing that order allows a moment to be captured and savored. The more detail and accuracy that I can add, the more pleasing the final product can become, both to me and to the viewer.”
Mitchell continues, “The decision to capture an image in oil on canvas is an opportunity to reflect the beauty that God has allowed to flourish all around us, especially here in Ventura County. Having grown up here, and being a resident of the Ojai Valley has given special meaning to many of the scenes that I have put to canvas. There is a great satisfaction in having someone else see the beauty of the area through my work.”
