Craig Mitchell Featured on Channel 2 News Nevada

Reno-based lanndscape artist Craig Mitchell creates hand-carved block prints inspired by Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe landscapes. He was recently featured on KTVN Channel 2 News Nevada, highlighting his distinctive artwork.

The segment offers a behind-the-scenes look at Craig’s studio process, from carving intricate block prints to carefully layering ink to create his striking landscape prints.

From Oil Paintings to Block Printing

For decades, Craig Mitchell captured the landscapes of the Sierra and the Great Basin through oil painting. In recent years, however, he has turned his focus to traditional block printing, a process that combines carving, printmaking, and careful color layering.

Each piece begins with hand-carved linoleum blocks. A single print may require multiple blocks — often around nine — each representing a different color or part of the composition. The blocks are inked separately and pressed onto paper one layer at a time, with each layer needing to align perfectly to create the final image.

It’s a meticulous process that rewards patience and precision.

A Self-Taught Return to Printmaking

Although Craig took a single block printing class decades ago at the University of Nevada, Reno, he largely re-taught himself the technique when he returned to printmaking.

“I, for some reason, feel like I was made to do this,” Mitchell said in the interview.

Today, Craig spends hours refining his prints — testing colors, creating proofs, and adjusting details until the composition feels right.

Small Editions, Carefully Printed

While block prints can technically be reproduced many times, Craig intentionally keeps his editions small and carefully controlled. Limiting the number of prints helps maintain quality and ensures each piece reflects the care and craftsmanship of the printing process.

Each print is pulled by hand, meaning subtle variations naturally occur from one impression to the next.

Inspired by Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe

Craig’s artwork is deeply inspired by the landscapes of Northern Nevada and the Sierra Nevada.

From sweeping sagebrush valleys to the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, his work reflects decades of observing and sketching the region’s light, color, and atmosphere.

His connection to the area began almost fifty years ago, when he first crossed the Sierra as a teenager and knew immediately that Northern Nevada was where he wanted to live.

A Quiet Claim to Fame

The 2 News feature also highlights a surprising part of Craig’s history: he designed the modern UNR Wolf Pack logo.

While it’s a widely recognized symbol across Nevada, Craig rarely emphasizes that part of his career. As he explains in the interview, he would rather be known for the landscapes he creates today.

Watch the Feature

You can watch the full segment and read the original article here.

Explore Craig Mitchell’s Prints

Craig Mitchell creates hand-printed landscape art inspired by Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

See his work here:

Lake Tahoe Block Print Gallery
Nevada Block Print Gallery