Bill Mittag's historical paintings follow the Plains Indians of North America during the late 1700 and early 1800's. The parched landscapes, dotted with camp scenes, tell the story of the West before the vast expanses of land were forever changed by shadow catchers (photographers), soldiers and road builders. Acutely attuned to detail, he devours reference books about various tribes and researches old price list to add historical and geographical accuracy to each painting. Mittag paints in oil on linen or linen panel. His art has the unique style of the Old Taos Masters, utilizing strong strokes of warm colors while imparting a feeling that the observer has an intimate glimpse into the realities of life in Native America.
On canvas, Mittag boldly sets the intricate details of camp life against a more suggestive, impressionistic landscape. His unique ability to move with ease from highly controlled, intricate strokes to broad, loose brush and palette knife work sets him apart from other painters of western landscapes who limit themselves to one style or the other. Starting with a monotone composition, he moves forward with color, always letting the sky determine the mood of the painting. Finishing with the details of daily camp life, Mittag carefully eliminates competing brush strokes and strives to remain true to historical accuracy. The perspective he masterfully creates takes the viewer beyond a historical moment or a well-executed landscape and allows us to actually feel the impact of the western landscape or the Native Americans who followed the buffalo.