MONTICELLO — Allerton Park and Retreat Center has another artist on site — the 20th of its six-year In-Residence Program. New York-based painter Patrick Neal will spend time creating art as well as talking about his methods during a public talk on April 17.
Neal generally uses oil and watercolor to show his processes in his works, which include a wide range of subjects portrayed in colorful, impressionistic ways.
The painter, who also writes prolifically about art, says he often goes into a session with one thing in mind, only to paint something different. That has him excited about being on site at Allerton through April 19.
“I love this idea of subject matter arising by way of an occasion. I find that exciting about Allerton Park, in a different place outside the confines of your own home or studio that you know very well, and you’re dealing with new terrain and new people,” Neal said.
Neal will show some of the fruits of his in-residence stay — as well as an explanation of his artistic process — at Painting the Four Seasons on Thursday, April 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Mansion. The event is open to the public but registration is required here by April 16.
The east coast artist feels that “everything can be something rich for art,” from staircases near his home to landscapes out in nature. Strengthening that belief was a 2022 residency in Costa Rica, where he painted not only the scenic cloud forests but the cultural components of the country.
His method also incorporates a moment-by-moment attitude.
“It often comes from collecting moments,” said Neal. “I just walk out the door and there are subject matters.”
He also enjoys discussing his art with others like at the upcoming outreach event at Allerton.
“I want to be able to talk to everybody — not so much showing them pretty pictures as much as talking about the artistic process and why I am arriving at these motifs,” he said.
More about Neal and his art can be found on his website.
