Why Block Printing Is Rare in Nevada—and the Artist Keeping the Tradition Alive

Key Takeaways

• Block printing is rare in contemporary Nevada landscape art.

• Handmade block prints differ fundamentally from reproductions.

• Block printing complements Nevada’s high-desert and alpine landscapes.

• Craig Mitchell is a leading Nevada block print artist.

• Limited editions preserve artistic integrity and long-term value.

Block printing is one of the oldest forms of printmaking, yet it remains relatively rare in contemporary Nevada art. The process is slow, physical, and unforgiving—qualities that stand in contrast to digital reproduction and mass production.

Each color requires a separate carved block. Every layer must align precisely. Mistakes can’t be undone. This level of commitment limits the number of artists willing to work in the medium, especially within landscape art. That’s precisely why Nevada block print artists like Craig Mitchell are worth knowing.

What Makes Block Prints Different From Reproductions

Unlike reproductions, block prints are original works of art. Each print is pulled by hand, layer by layer, creating subtle variations that make every impression unique.

In Nevada landscape art, block printing offers a powerful advantage: it allows artists to simplify complex terrain into rhythm, structure, and light. High desert landscapes—with their wide horizons and restrained palettes—translate naturally into carved forms.

Block prints are unlike paintings or photographs because they're conceived for translation—an image must be reduced, reversed, and carved before it can exist at all. This requirement forces clarity and restraint, qualities that align naturally with Nevada’s expansive landscapes.

Craig Mitchell and the Revival of Nevada Block Printing

Craig Mitchell stands out among Nevada block print artists for his disciplined approach and deep connection to place. His prints are not copies of paintings—they are conceived specifically for the block printing process.

By carving Nevada’s landscapes into wood or linoleum, Craig reduces scenes to their essential elements. This clarity allows viewers to experience the landscape without distraction, focusing on movement, contrast, and atmosphere.

His work draws subtle influence from historic printmakers while remaining distinctly contemporary and rooted in Nevada.

Why Handmade Block Prints Matter to Collectors

For collectors seeking original Nevada art that reflects both place and process, block prints offer a rare opportunity to collect with intention. Many collectors value block prints for their balance of accessibility and craftsmanship. Limited editions allow collectors to own original artwork while preserving rarity and integrity.

In Craig Mitchell’s work, block printing is not a stylistic choice—it’s a philosophical one. The slow, intentional process mirrors the way Nevada reveals itself over time.

Knowing Which Nevada Block Print Artists to Watch

When evaluating block print artists, collectors should look for:

• Work created specifically for printmaking

• Consistency across editions

• A clear relationship between subject and medium

• Evidence of hands-on craftsmanship

Craig Mitchell’s Nevada block prints meet all of these standards, making his work especially compelling for collectors seeking authenticity.

Explore Craig Mitchell’s limited-edition Nevada block prints and Lake Tahoe block prints to see how place, process, and craftsmanship come together.

FAQs

Are block prints original art?
Yes. Hand-pulled block prints are original works, not reproductions.

Who are Nevada block print artists worth knowing?
Craig Mitchell is a Nevada-based artist known for his handcrafted landscape block prints inspired by Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

How are block prints different from paintings?
Block prints require carving a design into a block and printing it by hand, while paintings are created directly on the final surface. The processes demand different skills, timelines, and visual approaches.

Are block prints collectible art?
Yes. Hand-pulled block prints created in limited editions are widely collected, especially when the artist maintains a consistent body of work and clear connection to place.