Alfred Richard Mitchell

Morning Light, Mt. Shasta, California, c. 1932

• Oil on Masonite panel
• 16" x 20", artwork
• 22.5" x 26.5", framed
• Historic

$14,500

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts by private collectors

Description
In Morning Light on Mt. Shasta, Alfred R. Mitchell masterfully captures the grandeur of one of California’s most iconic peaks, an active volcano in the state’s northern region. Measuring 16 x 20 inches—a favored size for the artist’s plein air work that fit neatly into his sketch box and was easily carried into the field—this composition reflects Mitchell’s direct, on-location approach. The scene leads the viewer’s gaze upward through a natural V-shaped corridor formed by the pine trees in the middle ground, guiding the eye toward the snow-capped summit. The mountain is rendered with bold, confident strokes in luminous tones of pink, gold, and lavender, while the foreground valley bursts with lavish greens and warm oranges. Though grounded in realism, the painting reveals Mitchell’s expressive use of color and brushwork, conveying not just the appearance but the vitality of the landscape in the first golden light of day.

Historical Significance
Known as the “Dean of San Diego Artists,” Alfred R. Mitchell was a pivotal figure in California Impressionism and a founding member of the San Diego Museum of Art. A graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under William Merritt Chase, Mitchell brought a strong academic foundation to his plein air practice. Mt. Shasta, one of California’s most majestic natural landmarks, has long been celebrated in the visual arts as a symbol of the West’s enduring beauty. This painting embodies the California plein air ethos of the mid-20th century—bold color, vibrant light, and a reverence for the state’s unspoiled landscapes.

Frame
Presented in a finely hand-carved 22K gold-leaf frame by Mayén & Olson (dated 2010), featuring refined foliate motifs at the corners and sides. The warm gilt finish harmonizes with the painting’s palette, enhancing its visual impact while providing a sense of period authenticity.

Condition
The work is in excellent original condition, with vibrant, well-preserved colors and no evidence of inpainting, repairs, or structural issues. The frame and finish are also in pristine condition.

On Verso
Signed and titled
Faded label for "Katherine Norris Fine Art"
“American Legacy Fine Arts” label

Exhibited
Scenic Route: A Half Century of California Discovery, 1900-1950, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, August 15 - October 11, 2025

Early California Masters: Paintings from the Katherine A. Norris Legacy Collection, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, November 12 - December 19, 2021

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