Today we’d like to introduce you to David Neeld.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to creating—growing up in the Midwest with a wanderer’s spirit, I was the kid exploring railroad tracks, old buildings, and sketching the world around me. That love led me to earn a BFA, where I immersed myself in painting, primarily in oils and acrylics. After graduation, life had other plans. When my wife and I welcomed our son, I stepped away from full-time studio practice for 23 years to build stability in the corporate world and support our family. Those years taught me discipline, resilience, and a deeper well of life experience to draw from.
Around late 2024, I felt a strong pull to return to my true calling. I formed my LLC and committed to pursuing art full-time as a visual artist and muralist. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to bring technical maturity and emotional depth to my work after two decades away. I’m now focusing on large-scale murals, gallery opportunities, and public commissions—recent highlights include completing a 200 sq ft mural in Fort Worth’s International Plaza and painting live at the Whimsy and Wonder Festival in Liberty Hill in front of thousands of attendees.
Today, I’m energized by community-focused projects, collaborations, and exploring themes of wonder, regeneration, and connection in my pieces. It feels like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—creating work that sparks joy and conversation while building a sustainable creative practice here in Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road—but I wouldn’t trade the journey. After my BFA, I made the conscious decision to pause full-time art for 23 years when our son was born, followed by my daughter a few short years later. Providing stability for my family meant stepping into the corporate world, where I built a successful career but had to set aside my studio practice. That long hiatus was the biggest challenge: watching time pass while the creative fire never fully went out. Re-entering the art world after so many years felt daunting—rebuilding confidence, updating my skills and portfolio, and navigating the shift from a steady paycheck to self-employment.
Financially, it’s been an adjustment. I am still in the early stages where the business shows losses while I invest in materials, marketing, submissions, and vehicle needs to chase opportunities across Texas and beyond. Getting traction with galleries, public commissions, and pop-ups takes persistence—there are plenty of “no’s,” waiting periods, and self-doubt along the way.
What keeps me going is the perspective those years gave me. The struggles added emotional depth to my work and taught me discipline and gratitude. Every mural I paint now, like the live piece at Whimsy and Wonder or the recent Fort Worth project, feels like a hard-won victory. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s made the return to art that much more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m increasingly known for vibrant public murals that transform spaces and spark community conversations. Recent projects include a 200 sq ft mural in Fort Worth’s International Plaza and live-painting an 8×8 ft cosmic mythology piece for the Whimsy and Wonder Festival in Liberty Hill—complete with constellations, a redhead gazing into the universe, anchored by greek renditions of the Taurus and Orion constellations. I’m also proud of proposals like Luminous Regrowth for the Festival of Murals in Boulder (a charred ponderosa pine stump regenerating with glowing mycelial networks, aspen, and columbine) and developing concepts like Guardian of the Hill for my next big project —an empathetic close-up of a woman cradling a longhorn.
What I’m most proud of though, is successfully returning to full-time art after a 23-year hiatus and immediately stepping into live, large-scale work in front of thousands. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the pieces in real time.
What sets me apart is the depth that comes from life experience. Those corporate years gave me patience, empathy, and richer storytelling that I now pour into every brushstroke. I’m also deeply committed to community—whether through collaborations with various not-for-profit organizations, hiding free art around Austin for #FreeArtFriday, or creating work that celebrates place, resilience, and wonder. My goal is always to make art that feels both personal and universally inviting.
How do you think about happiness?
Professionally, seeing people connect with the work—whether it’s a cosmic scene sparking wonder or a regenerative piece offering hope—reminds me why I do this. I love when I’m able to witness my art making an impact, whether it be a smile, or a thoughtful introspection.
On a personal level, my family is my foundation. Time with my wife and kids, the simple joy of being present after years of balancing everything, grounds me. Happiness, for me, comes from alignment: using the skills and life experience I’ve gained to create work that feels meaningful, builds community, and honors the themes of resilience, and connection that have always called to me.
Pricing:
- Murals: Projects typically range from $25–$60+ per square foot, depending on size, complexity, location (interior vs. exterior), design detail, and site preparation needs. A 100–200 sq ft mural often falls in the $4,000–$12,000+ range.
- Studio Paintings / Original Artwork: Available in various sizes; pricing reflects materials, time, and the unique narrative quality of each piece. Inquiries welcome for current availability and rates.
- Commissions & Public Projects: Custom quotes provided after an initial consultation. Factors include timeline, travel, scaffolding/lifts, and any permitting. I’m happy to discuss budgets and scope to find mutually beneficial solutions.
- Prints & Smaller Works: Limited-edition fine art prints and smaller pieces offer more accessible entry points into collecting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidneeldstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidneeldstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidneeldstudio/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidneeldstudio?lang=en
