Warren Neary


Warren Neary’s work primarily focuses on realistic impressions of the figure, landscapes, cityscapes, and still life paintings. His scenes are often presented as memories – moments evoking a feeling of stillness in everyday life. After graduating from high school as the Art Sterling Scholar, he attended Utah State University in 1994 where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree on a two-year art scholarship. Neary accepted a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force upon graduation and served for eight years on active duty in the service of his country as an officer, and deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch to Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, and Operation Enduring Freedom to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In the summer of 2006, Warren separated from active duty in the U.S. Air Force to finish a Master of Fine Arts degree from Academy of Art University and pursue a career as an artist and Air Force Reserve officer, and has served in multiple assignments for Air Force Space and Air Force Reserve Commands.

While attending AAU, Warren studied with William Maughan, Mark Tennant, Warren Chang, Tae Park, William Whitaker, Ron Hicks and Thomas Blackshear II. Warren has also studied with artists including Zhang Wen Xin, Michael Albrechtsen, C.W. Mundy, David Leffel, Sherrie McGraw and Daniel Gerhartz.

In concert with his professional art career, Warren also serves as a senior historian for the Air Force Reserve Office of History and Heritage, and his responsibilities include leading a Reserve heritage art team that captures the visual legacy of today’s Reserve Citizen Airmen in the service of the United States. Warren is living in Illinois with his wife and children.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I'm moved by the grace and beauty of the figure, and I’m learning to capture the emotion filled moments in relationships we share with each other. I enjoy being a son and student of a loving Heavenly Father and master creator. It is exhilarating to explore scenes of subtle or dramatic light, color and design. I appreciate warm low-level lighting such as in the evening or candle lit situations. In drawing and painting from life, it is a challenge and delight to capture what I see in my artwork.

HONORS AND AWARDS

2015 U.S. Air Force Association Gill Rob Wilson Award for Arts and Letters

2010 U.S. Air Force Nomination for Air Force Association Gill Rob Wilson Award for Arts and Letters

2009 Finalist in Raymar’s Third Annual Fine Art Competition

2007 Finalist in Raymar’s Second Annual Fine Art Competition

2007 Academy of Art University Spring Show Award Recipient

2006 Finalist in Raymar Fine Art Competition (August) Judged by Scott Burdick

1997 Art Scholarship, Utah State University

RECENT EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS

2016 U.S. Air Force Reserve Art Presentation to the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, FL

2015 U.S. Air Force Reserve Art Presentation to the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC

2014 U.S. Air Force Reserve Art Presentation to Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC

2013 Yonder, 3-Person Show, Gallery MAR, Park City, UT

2010 Air Force Art Exhibition, National Museum, United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH

2012 “Here and Abroad” Exhibition, Gallery MAR, Park City, UT

2010 Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art, San Antonio, TX

2010 Landscape Show, Abend Gallery, Denver, CO

2009 Solo Exhibition, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY

2008 Air Force Art Presentation, Andrews AFB, Washington, DC

2008 Centennial Utah State University Alumni Show, Apple Frame Gallery, Bountiful, UT

2008 Spring Show, Academy of Art University, San Francisco

2008 79 Montgomery Show, Academy of Art University, San Francisco

2008 Open Range, Abend Gallery, Denver, CO

PUBLICATIONS

2017 Air Force Chief of Staff Reading List, Selected Artworks

2016 Painting Air Force History, Air Force Magazine, Oct

2015 A Magnificent Showcase: History, Heritage, and Art: The United States Air Force and the Air Force Art Program, book

2015 Painting the Air Force Story: Service comes to life when Reserve historian puts brush to canvas, Citizen Airmen Magazine, Oct

2015 Artist Tells About ‘Lone Survivor’ Rescue Scene, airforcetimes.com, dailyrecord.com

2015 Maj. Warren Neary and Lt Col Jeff Peterson: Honoring ‘Lone Survivor’ SEAL, Federal Radio News, Sep

2014 Air Force Art Program Highlights Reserve Airmen, Air Force News Service

2014 Air Force Honors American Soldiers in Art, WND.com, Oct

2014 Air Force Chief of Staff Reading List, Selected Artworks

2010 Peaks and Valleys, Southwest Art Magazine

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

United States Air Force Art Collection, Washington DC

United States Army Center for Military History, Washington DC

Princess Munera Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia