New York School Abstract Expressionism, represented by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline and others became a leading art movement of the post-World War II era.
After serving in the Army, Mitchell enrolled in the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he eventually received his M.F.A.
In 1947 Mitchell was the winner of Pepsi Cola cash award of $1,500; He sailed to Rome.
During his visit to Rome he met painters John Heliker, Afro (Basadella), and Philip Guston, who had major influence on his work.
Returning to the US, in 1951 Mitchell moved to New York City and became one of the first painters to open a painting studio in the downtown seaport area along the East River known as Coenties Slip (Manhattan).