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Tom and Linda Neel: Living an Artful Life
The couple hopes that gallery’s name will be more than just words on a sign. They want it to be a brand, an inspiration to others, and a way of life. The Neels hope to help people connect with the creative side of themselves that often gets buried under day-to-day duties.
“Anyone can be a better anything because they are creative,” Tom said. “It’s damaging to feel suppressed from art.”
Although art can be a source of great joy, for the Neels, it’s also a business. “If you’re going to do anything for a living, you can’t forget the business side,” Tom said. “The business almost becomes more important than the creative.”
Tom gives credit to his wife Linda for the role her business acumen has played in his artistic success. “We play off each other really well,” he said, noting that the pair has extensive experience not just in creating art, but in running top-notch galleries.
The business side of art
Tom Neel has been working as a full-time artist for about 20 years, painting oil landscapes that tend toward realism, but he has branched out in many different directions in the course of his work, especially the works he has been commissioned to do for others.
Tom said some artists don’t like to do commission work, because following a client’s vision can push you in unfamiliar directions as an artist. It also involves giving up a lot of control of the project. But in the end, Neel said, commissioned art is an honor, and an experience that gives him “fantastic joy.”
In the future, the work of other artists may join his mountain vistas and sun-dappled dogwoods, on the walls of Live an Artful Life, but for now, the paintings featured in the show titled “Twilight Art Night,” are all Tom’s.
The gallery’s center table also holds a collection of silk-screened scarves that Linda created. Linda is an award winning wearable textile artist and designer. There will be Wanders chocolate, pottery, jewelry, rugs and purses. And to help others achieve an artful life, the gallery will also bring seminars and speakers to The Plains.
The Neels had many reasons for selecting the village of The Plains as the location of their gallery. It is a convenient drive from Gainesville, Warrenton, Middleburg, and Leesburg and the good selection of restaurants and shops within walking distance was a plus. And then there is the building itself. The gallery’s home, a small red building on Main Street in The Plains, is bright and airy on the inside. “It’s the kind of place that makes art feel good,” Tom said.
It doesn’t hurt to have help from the neighbors, either. “The people of The Plains have been incredible,” Tom said.
The makings of an artist
Live An Artful Life is in many ways a continuation of the couple's background. Linda (nee Schenk), founded Leesburg’s first art gallery, the Leesburg Gallery of Art, in the early 80s, and both directed GWS Galleries for the fine art publisher, The Greenwich Workshop. Both also served on the publishing management team and traveled in the national art scene, representing the company and its base of highly regarded artists.
As a result of his life-long evolution as an artist, Tom now has the perspection to realize that one of the keys to his success has been his ability to be dynamic. It's also important to be unafraid of change, he said. “If you’re unhappy about something,” Tom said, “Do something about it. Don’t complain.”
The first show at Live an Artful life, with the artwork of Tom Neel, opens this weekend at 6974 Main St, The Plains. For more information, call (540) 253-9797 or visit tomasneel.com.
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