Mattie Ree Neal carries forward family legacy while inspiring next generation as artist-in-residence
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University has named Mattie Ree Neal an artist-in-residence, bringing the accomplished portrait artist and Lipscomb Academy alumna back to a place that has shaped her family for generations.
Neal, a 2020 graduate of Lipscomb Academy, has pursued a career as a professional artist with a deep commitment to traditional, representational painting. She has studied with some of today’s most prominent portrait painters, sculptors and fine artists, training in studios and workshops around the world. Now, she is returning to Lipscomb to share her passion and expertise with students.
“I am honored to be the artist-in-residence,” said Neal. “Lipscomb means so much to me. As a 14-year academy student, it feels just like coming home — just as it was for my parents and grandparents.”
As part of her role, Neal is guest teaching in the Painting II class in the university’s Department of Visual Arts and recently led a six-week painting workshop through Lipscomb’s Lifelong Learning program.
“We just finished my Lifelong Learning class, and it was one of the loveliest, most energetic groups I have ever had,” Neal said. “Everyone was so receptive, asked great questions and was responsive to my critiques. I will miss them!’
A lifelong love of art
Neal’s artistic journey began at a young age, influenced by her father, internationally renowned portrait artist Michael Shane Neal.
Neal began learning painting from her father at an early age.
“For as long as I can remember, I never wanted to be anything but an artist,” she said. “My father’s studio was my favorite place, and I thought he had the best job in the world. I grew up visiting his teacher, Everett Raymond Kinstler every summer in Connecticut, and my training really began there at the breakfast table. Growing up I loved to draw and didn’t go anywhere without my sketchbook. I travelled with my father to photoshoots, portrait conferences and museums, surrounded by artists all the time.
Neal began taking commissions at the age of 12 and, after graduating high school, chose to study directly with master artists instead of attending a traditional four-year art school.
“I knew I wanted to work in a traditional, representational way and that I loved painting people,” she said. “My dad, of course, is my primary teacher and the anchor that made it possible for me to study with artists varying in method and approach.”
Her approach to painting is rooted in both classical techniques and a desire to capture the human experience in a way that goes beyond photography.
“I am not a photorealist but rather a ‘brushy realist,’ trying to balance the classical and the conceptual to create something interpretive that appeals to our humanity,” Neal explained. “I admire painters who can create work with both expression and realism without sacrificing either.”
Seeing beauty in the ordinary
Neal grew up visiting artist Everett Raymond Kinstler in the summers and learning from his work.
For Neal, painting is more than a skill — it’s a way of seeing the world.
“Painting is so hard,” she admitted. “Whether I am painting on the rocks in Maine or working in the studio on a portrait, the challenge is to see and convey the incredible beauty and potential that saturate God’s creation.”
She recalls a childhood memory that encapsulates this journey of artistic discovery.
“I remember looking at Ray Kinstler’s landscapes and wondering how in the world he came up with those purple shadows,” she said. “Then I started painting more and working from life, and one day I walked outside to take out the trash — and there was a purple shadow! Taking out the trash took an extra long time that day.”
Neal believes this way of seeing is something she can help cultivate in her students.
“The more you stop to paint what you see, the more you are stopped by what you see to paint,” she said. “Suddenly, you don’t have to look for pictures anymore — you are compelled to paint the pots and pans drying by the sink because of the beauty in the way the light reflects across the metal.”
Neal with her father, internationally acclaimed portrait artist Michael Shane Neal.
A father’s influence
Neal credits her father not only for inspiring her love of art but also for modeling the discipline and dedication required to succeed.
“I owe everything to my dad — totally and completely,” she said. “He is my inspiration, my teacher, my critic and my biggest champion.”
As a child, she spent more time in her father’s studio than anywhere else, watching him work and absorbing his lessons.
“My dad always shared his space with me,” she said. “He never gave me assignments — he just encouraged me to keep drawing, gave me as much paint and paper as I could use up, and always answered my questions.”
Her father also introduced her to the Portrait Society of America, where she attended her first conference at age 8. Now, years later, she is proud to see him serve as the chairman of the organization.
“If I ever become a great artist, it is because I have a great father,” she said. “I will work every day of my life to try to become an artist worthy of all that I have been given.”
The Neals painting on an excursion in Africa.
A special exhibition
As part of her residency, Neal will exhibit her work alongside her father’s in a special father-daughter showcase at Lipscomb next school year.
“I am so excited to exhibit my work alongside my dad’s,” she said. “It will be so special for us to hang our work together as father-daughter and teacher-student.”
Many of the pieces she plans to include were inspired by experiences and adventures she has shared with her father over the years.
“I still have a lot of work to do,” she said, “but I can’t wait to see it all come together.”