Pulling Back the Curtain on Contemporary Impressionism

The philosophy, process, and daily practices behind the oil paintings of my art studio, Dogwood and Vine.

The Studio

Finding the Light in the Noise

Every painting begins with a simple question: How can I capture the feeling of a fleeting moment before the light changes?
Contemporary impressionism is not about painting an exact copy of reality. It is about capturing a gesture, a temperature, and an atmosphere. It is about translating the three-dimensional world onto a flat canvas surface using nothing but pigments, oils, and expressive brushwork.
But for many artists, the journey from a blank canvas to a finished, luminous painting is filled with frustration. Muddy color mixtures, stiff brush movements, and confusing technical rules often get in the way of creative expression.

About Me

My name is Carisa Mitchell, MFA, M. Ed. I am an contemporary impressionist oil painter, and I spend time inside my studio doing the heavy lifting: testing mediums, breaking down complex compositions, and refining my techniques.

Though I’ve been painting since childhood, I founded Dogwood and Vine in 2017 to serve as a digital open house for my art studio.

I don’t believe in keeping industry secrets or hiding the messy parts of the artistic process. The world has enough rigid, confusing art textbooks. What painters actually need are clear, practical, and honest frameworks that take the guesswork out of the studio.

Through step-by-step tutorials, raw studio insights, and transparent gear reviews, this space is dedicated to helping you master oil painting, loosen your brushwork, and find your unique creative voice.

Intentional Simplification

Great art does not have to be overly complicated. I break down daunting topics—like color theory and composition—into simple, repeatable daily practices you can use at your own easel.

Quality Over Shortcuts

From choosing the right canvas to mastering the traditional rules of “fat-over-lean,” I believe in building technical skills that stand the test of time rather than chasing fast shortcuts.

Years of Experience

Dogwood and Vine is a quiet, private one-person studio nestled away in a peaceful, rural landscape. While my physical easel is nestled away in the countryside, this website allows me to open my studio doors to you.

“5 Impressionist Approaches to Loosen Up Your Oil Painting”

Join the Studio Community

The best way to stay connected to my weekly painting sessions and get direct access to my newest tutorials is to join the inner circle.

Are You an Art Collector?

If you love contemporary impressionism but prefer collecting art over creating it, you can view my available finished originals, private commissions, and limited-edition prints at the link below.

Visit Carisa Mitchell Fine Art