Artist Spotlight: Peter Neel

Art has been a fundamental aspect of Peter Neel’s life, and he’s nurtured his connection with the natural world through his brush since youth. While his artistic interests and styles have undergone changes over the course of his career, his fascination with nature has remained a consistent thread. Read on to learn more about his creative process and journey.

Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

West Des Moines, Iowa.

What drew you to become an artist and what type of art do you most enjoy doing?

I’ve always had a passion for art since I was younger. My parents would give me a blank canvas or paper instead of coloring books. Some of my best memories as a kid were just being in my own creative world painting and this is one way I reconnect with those core memories. Some of my work reflects those core memories. I subconsciously transitioned into this theme over the past few years. Sometimes it’s freeing to connect with my work when I’m not following a theme. It brings back the impulse nature of starting random paintings just like I did as a kid and creating what I’m interested in at the time.

How would you describe your style?

For the last several years my work has been focused on nature and parody. When I have free time I like to go out in the woods and forage for native plants, mushrooms and seeds. I’m not the best forager, but I respect the amount of attention involved. My current nature pieces are inspired by memorable forays I have taken over the past 5 years. Just like foraging I immerse myself in the detail that goes into the paintings. Nature isn’t simple or predictable and I want my work to exhibit that.

What has kept you engaged and committed to your craft over the years?

Along with being a painter I also play piano professionally. I grew up in a musical family. My late father was a church organist, and my sister still is a talented singer and musician. I’ve always had an interest in making my own music and feel fortunate enough to have a supportive family and community to share it with.

Having two creative outlets has allowed me to take breaks and come back to each with fresh mindsets. I have a ton of creative energy when I start a piece, but it tends to taper off the longer I spend time with it. Taking these breaks keeps my work mossy. As they say, “distance keeps the heart fonder.”

How have you grown as an artist in the past five years and what are the major contributing factors to your growth?

Over the past few years I have devoted more time to sharing my artwork with the public. This is something that doesn’t come naturally to me as I am not the best at marketing myself.. I’ve been working on it though and it’s an area that I am still growing in. My wife has inspired me to continue sharing my work and keeps me motivated to create more. Also, I’ve expanded my mediums over the past 5 years as I’ve been making digital works as I continue to hone my skills with painting.

What materials do you most commonly use?

I prefer to use Winsor Newton Acrylics, watercolors, and gouache. Also, Procreate for digital paintings.

Can you describe some of your favorite pieces you’ve worked on?

I’ve worked on several pieces the past few years from my hikes in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa. I painted scenes of Malanaphy Springs and Dunning Springs in Decorah, Iowa. Where I live in Central Iowa, it’s known for its partial flatness, but it makes up for its dramatic sunrises and sunsets. The landscape in both of these places provided inspiration for some of my favorite landscape paintings.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming artists? Are there any tips or techniques you can offer?

Your time here on earth is finite. Create art, have fun, and do what makes you happy.