Janet Mitchell was born in Medicine Hat in 1915 but grew up in Calgary. She did not develop an interest in art until the 1940's, when she won a scholarship to study at the Banff School of Fine Arts. She is largely self-taught.

A painter of streetscapes and happy people in watercolor and acrylics, she tended toward impressionistic interpretations. Her art is colorful and full of humour, fantasy, and joy. Redkettle's watercolour "Fun In The Street" is classic Mitchell.

Janet Mitchell achieved national recognition and won many awards. In 1988 she received an honourary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Calgary. One of her paintings was chosen for a postage stamp commemorating Canada's 125th birthday in 1992.

Her work is represented in many collections across Canada such as the Glenbow Museum, the London Art Museum, and the National Gallery of Canada.