The Spectator News

In the Spotlight: Dirk Kempthorne
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

In the Spotlight: Dirk Kempthorne

Dirk Kempthorne is an impressive guy in every way. He served as Governor of Idaho, U.S. Senator from Idaho, Secretary of the Interior under President George W. Bush, and is now CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers. I was so honored to paint his official portrait for the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.

We began in a slightly unusual place…on board his boat, docked near the Washington Monument in D.C.!

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Remembering Senator Arlen Specter
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Remembering Senator Arlen Specter

When I first got the call to paint Senator Specter for Yale Law School, I was instantly thrilled. Like many Americans who enjoy politics and C-Span TV, I had long known of the famous senator from Pennsylvania from his numerous interviews, Senate floor speeches, debates, and magazine and newspaper articles. The longest-serving United States Senator from the keystone state, he was a powerhouse of intellect and a person of unwavering determination. “Snarlin Arlen” as he was known by reputation, caused more than a touch of reservation in me.

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A Portrait of an Artist
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

A Portrait of an Artist

Late one evening last week, I sat in a small room I had rented for the night in the historic National Arts Club just off Gramercy Park. The venerable old club is one of my favorite stops in New York City, and I treasure my membership there. It is filled with paintings, antique furniture, and a remarkable collection of artifacts, both decorative and exotic–it’s a magical place. No matter how often I visit, it has the effect of stepping through the wardrobe, similar to a C.S. Lewis novel, into another world–removed from the modern city just outside its interior.

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A Rising Tide Lifts all Boats
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

A Rising Tide Lifts all Boats

Last night, a dear friend and extraordinary man, Gordon Wetmore, passed away after a brief illness. A prolific and talented artist, he also founded the Portrait Society of America. Gordon was a man of imposing physical stature with a gentle, kind spirit.

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Paul Stevens: A Lesson in Achievement
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Paul Stevens: A Lesson in Achievement

One of my favorite parts of my job as an artist is meeting THE most fascinating people. Not only are you working to capture their outer likeness on canvas, you are also getting to know them as human beings…their unique, individual character and personality.

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All I Nose about the Nose
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

All I Nose about the Nose

I have always found painting noses to be so fun! They are incredibly different from person to person. No two noses are the same. Getting the structure of the nose is so important. Understanding that there are planes is invaluable. The goal of the artist is to create a nose on the face that feels three-dimensional. The nose should feel as though it comes forward from the face.

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Is Painting Simply an Imitative Art?
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Is Painting Simply an Imitative Art?

While in college taking my first painting class with my teacher, Dawn Whitelaw (an accomplished and gifted artist), she suggested that I go to the library and pick up a book on Everett Raymond Kinstler. She explained that I would be attracted to his work with my natural inclination toward a “brushy” style. Little did I know that my interest and study of Mr. Kinstler’s paintings would spark a long journey of discovery, finding many great artists along the way.

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Beautiful at Any Age
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Beautiful at Any Age

I often hear from prospective clients their concern over what age they should be painted or should have been painted, as if there is a perfect age for a portrait! “I should have been painted before I was 40!” more than one person has told me. Thank goodness not everyone feels that way. If given the chance, an artist can find what is beautiful or handsome about people at every age.

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Hands: What’s the Point?
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Hands: What’s the Point?

Artists have long enjoyed the addition of hands to any portrait…and suffered over the consequences! You’ve often heard that many people judge the quality of the portrait by the quality of the hands. Adding expression and personality, the addition of hands can greatly increase interest and likeness to any portrait.

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Senator Byrd Celebrates 20,774 days in Congress
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Senator Byrd Celebrates 20,774 days in Congress

Today Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia becomes the longest serving member of Congress in our nation’s history. With his combined 6 years in the House of Representatives and his unprecedented 9 consecutive terms in the Senate, he now totals over 56 years of service.

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Senator Ted Kennedy
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Senator Ted Kennedy

As an artist who has had the incredible honor of working for the United States Senate, I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Kennedy on two occasions in the last couple of years. The first was after he introduced me at the unveiling of my portrait of Senator Robert Byrd. I was immediately impressed with his approachable nature and genuine interest in others.

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Sorolla: A Master of Color and Value
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Sorolla: A Master of Color and Value

My dear friend and teacher, Everett Raymond Kinstler, was a student of the great painter Gordon Stevenson (1892-1982). Stevenson studied with both John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla. While in Spain working with the great master artist Sorolla, Stevenson was amazed at the clarity of color and mastery of value that came from the artist’s brush.  

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The Value of Sittings from Life
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

The Value of Sittings from Life

Last week I had the most wonderful experience with a family I am painting from Florida. They were gracious enough to pack their bags and come for sittings in my studio. A very large portrait, I have enjoyed the challenge of composing the painting and developing the diverse elements of it.

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Commencement Address
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Commencement Address

I had the privilege of addressing the December 2008 Graduates of my Alma Mater, Lipscomb University, on December 20, 2008. The following are my comments to the graduating class. I recently mentioned the TR story in an interview with International Artist Magazine and realized it would be appropriate for the graduates as well. As artists, we have to tackle problems with our work head-on if we are going to grow. There are no shortcuts in the life of a working artist…or a human being!

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Senator Specter Official Portrait Unveiled
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Senator Specter Official Portrait Unveiled

Hundreds of supporters, friends, and family joined Senator Arlen Specter at the National Constitution Center Friday evening for the unveiling of the Senator’s official portrait. It was the largest crowd I have had the honor of unveiling a portrait for and a testament to the popularity of the senator.

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Quick and Easy Model Stand
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Quick and Easy Model Stand

Looking for a quick and easy model stand? Check this out! I think I got this from my friend, Dawn Whitelaw, years ago when I was looking for a simple solution for my workshops.

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Tips for Survival
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Tips for Survival

A year or so ago, the Portrait Society of America did a series of articles in their newsletter on “Traits of a Successful Artist.” I was honored to be asked to contribute my thoughts on things that have helped me to survive as a artist. As Mr. Kinstler has said to me more than once “keep the faith!”

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S.H.A.P.E.
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

S.H.A.P.E.

I had the honor of speaking at the Portrait Society of America’s Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last week. A high point of the weekend for me was being asked to speak at the Inspirational Hour on Sunday morning. We had a great group–much larger than expected for 7:30 in the morning! By request, here are the highlights of the talk I presented entitled S.H.A.P.E.

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Traveling with Paints
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Traveling with Paints

I travel over 100 days a year. In most cases I have oil paint, a small wood palette, and a few brushes packed in my carry-on bag. It would be easier in some ways to check the bag, but I prefer to take it with me. Last weekend when having my bags checked for a return flight, I was informed for the first time in months that I could not carry my small tubes of oil paint on board. In today’s climate of airport security, you hate to cause a fuss, but I knew that I could take them with me under current regulations.

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Shaking off the Dust
Michael Shane Neal Michael Shane Neal

Shaking off the Dust

I had a nice comment posted from Adrienne the other day. She specifically mentioned: “Would love to hear your comments about how you stay motivated. What do you do when you feel stale? Or do you ever?”

I do get “stale.” Tired might be more accurate. I spend a lot of time in the studio each day hard at work at my easel and managing the many other areas related to the business of being an artist. I have found several things that help if I can’t get my mind in the creative spirit. 

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