Mitch Baird was born in 1972 and grew up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington. At an early age he displayed talent in drawing and painting and with the encouragement of his parents developed a love for art. His true passion for painting matured while pursuing his BFA at Brigham Young University. It was here that he studied under the great draftsman Ralph Barksdale, whose inspiration and wisdom quickened his abilities, knowledge and desire. “It was Ralph Barksdale’s patient direction and willingness to share the mysteries and insights into design, drawing and painting that opened my eyes and mind. I will forever be indebted to him.”

As a representational painter Mitch believes that painting is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. He is devoted to the traditions of the late 19th century artists who looked to the figure and nature’s landscape for inspiration regarding light, color, and design. Seeking out this inspiration, Mitch works directly from life to capture the qualities and nuances of natural light and color harmony. He has a strong conviction that great artistic communication depends on good draftsmanship, design and vision. His artistic desire is to “portray a positive visual statement and hope the viewer will experience what I see and in some sense be inspired, uplifted, or moved by my painting, whether it is of a small intimate setting or a grandiose subject.”

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Mitch relocated to the desert southwest a few years ago and now resides in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and children. He is a signature member of the following organizations: Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society and the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA).