Bret Neathery
Born in a small town in south-central Missouri, I grew up surrounded by the quiet, breathtaking beauty of the Ozark Mountains—a landscape that quietly shaped how I see rhythm, pattern, and place. Though I’ve lived in cities like Denver and Kansas City, and traveled widely across the United States and abroad, my heart remains rooted in small-town life and the deep sense of community that comes with it. That grounding quietly finds its way into my work, even when the subject is not literal.
I paint abstractly, drawing from the raw energy of Jackson Pollock, the thoughtful restraint of Robert Motherwell, the bold gestures of Willem de Kooning, and the quiet spiritual abstraction of Georgia O’Keeffe. Geometry, symbols, and layered shapes appear consistently in my work—not just for visual interest but to create a kind of visual rhythm, like music unfolding on canvas. My palette is deeply influenced by the colors and light of the desert Southwest, a nod both to my early experiences and to my mother, who painted Western themes as a novice painter.
For me, art is both deeply personal and broadly connective. My collectors are often thoughtful people who value story, place, and the long arc of a meaningful life. They frequently tell me my work feels like a memory, or a map of their own journey. I believe that’s true—each piece carries layers of my own lived experience yet remains open enough to hold yours as well.
Whether you’re drawn to the colors, the movement, or simply a sense that something in the work sees you—I’m glad you’re here. And I hope it will anchor you the way painting anchors me.
Exhibitions & Awards
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Obelisk Gallery - Solo Exhibition, November 2026
Reuben Saunders Gallery, Solo Exhibition, February 2027
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2026
Abstract National Juried Exhibition at Mark Arts, Wichita, KS. - Honorable Mention
Teravarna International Juried Art Competition, Color - Honorable Mention
2025
The Quiet Composition - Juried Exhibition by Michael Shemchuk - St. Louis, MO -Finalist.
Redwood Art Prize-New York Art Expo - Finalist