Meet Neal Novak | Artist and editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neal Novak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neal, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has long been a part of my life, so much so that I took it for granted in my early years. My uncle, Ron Lindsey, is a talented and successful painter in his own right, and his wonderful work served as the backdrop for my childhood. Practically every room in our home included at least one of his figuratives or still lifes. These became so familiar, I often forgot they existed–or how fortunate I was to be surrounded by such beautiful art.

All this changed around 2010, after graduating college and settling into a career as a book editor. The notion that I could–or would even want–to paint struck me only after a night out with my wife at our local drink-wine-and-paint-with-a-bunch-of-strangers venue. In the moment, I enjoyed chatting and drinking and painting. (Three activities I still aim to perfect.) At the end of the evening, all us tipsy painters showed off our renderings of the slim shotgun house that served as our model. All were good, but mine was different–very different. I immediately realized I approached the whole process with the goal of creating something unique. I’ve never been accused of being the first guy in the pool, but that night I almost felt as if I was floating on my own.

The next weekend, my wife and I re-created the scene at home. This time, music, bourbon, and a carefully assembled still life blasted with every bulb in the house. I liked the results of this night’s efforts even more. I got hooked. Bad. When I wasn’t working my 9 to 5, I was either painting or thinking about it. Soon, nearly every article of clothing I owned featured at least one drop of paint–as did each of my three dogs. I was in a hurry, running toward I don’t know what. My uncle, always with insight at the ready, cautioned me not to find “my voice” too soon. After all, I wasn’t looking to sell or show my art; I was enamored with the process and (occasionally) the final product. I decided to slow down, be more deliberate, and work individual canvases for weeks instead of hours.

The fresh approach was the right one–I spent less time with a brush in my hand and more thinking about what I wanted to accomplish. I soon found myself painting pictures that surprised me, as in “surely this didn’t live in my head.” Painting was becoming an adventure, a new landscape I’d never set eyes on. I was ready to explore.

Soon, my work began to garner attention. After a small show at the student union at Louisiana State University, the owners of a local gallery invited me to show a few pieces in their very posh space. I was thrilled. A couple years later, my work caught the eye of a venue in Jackson. Not long after, a wonderful gallery in New Orleans featured my work in a three-person show. I was lucky–and I knew it. The only way to respond was to work harder and produce better art.

This has been my north star ever since–work harder and produce better art. I also force myself to step back and appreciate this fortunate little detour I stumbled upon a dozen years ago. And the fact that my wife has happily gone along for the ride–literally. Whether it’s picking up framed pieces or delivering five new paintings to the Bay Area, she (along with my mom, of course) has always always been my biggest fan and always offers the best critiques. She knows when I’ve created something worth sharing with the world.

I no longer paint pictures of shotgun houses–our dear friends in Virginia own that first painting and now endure it on a daily basis–but I sometimes think about that night we sipped wine and painted with cheap acrylics in a little strip mall in Baton Rouge. My wife and I now live in Tucson, and I have a new landscape to explore and, amazingly enough, the same person to explore it with. Lucky guy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Little sets me apart as an artist. Other painters out there have more training, are more talented, and possess a clearer vision. I know how to work hard and be kind. I can still be lazy and downright cranky, but hard work and kindness have gotten me far–even in the art world. A lot of luck has helped too.

My technique isn’t all that individual either. I paint in layers to create depth and movement. Others certainly do this better. I remind myself, though, that I’m the only one in my studio, working on this painting, at this moment. That’s unique to me. Still, my studio is packed with people–family, friends, fellow artists, and all my dogs. If you own one of my paintings, all those things are in there (yes, even pup hair).

For me, an evening in the studio remains the most exciting aspect of being an artist. Exhibit openings are fun and gallery runs are great, but a good night painting can be thrilling. A bad night, on the other hand, can make me rethink the whole venture. I have more of those than I’d like to admit. Then again, bad nights can be beneficial when you want to cover a canvas with thirty layers of paint. I often remind myself of this fact when those tough evenings inevitably come along; tonight will, somehow, make this painting better. Maybe I’ll learn something too if I’m paying attention.

Perhaps, more than anything, painting has taught me patience, something I’ve always been in short supply of. It’s also instilled in me a new confidence and focus. It’s given me–a small, fairly quiet guy–a big voice I never knew I had.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My wife and I wife moved to Tucson in August of 2021, so we’re still getting our bearings here. That said, we have some favorite spots. The drive up Mt. Lemmon is spectacular and a definite go-to for any first-timer. Sabino Canyon is also one of our favorites for a quick get away. Tucson is, in a way, a pick-your-own-adventure city. You can be hiking in the desert in the morning and dining at a hip downtown restaurant in the evening. Better yet, pick any place south of 22nd St. for the best tacos or ceviche. And I’d be remiss not to mention Tucson Hop Shop. Great beer and better people–the first and last spot I take any out-of-towner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All credit goes to the people who’ve encouraged and inspired me: my wife, Tracy; uncle, Tio; and my mom, who wisely always reminds me to “go with the flow.” Also a big thank you to Claire Thriffiley for her constant support and and guidance. And for the inspiring friendship of the Savarios, the Montanaros, the Webbs, Nass, and Craig and Christina.

Website: nealnovakart.com

Instagram: @novakneal