Presidential Lectureship on Art presents internationally acclaimed portrait artist

Presidential Lectureship on Art presents internationally acclaimed portrait artist

Alumnus Michael Shane Neal has painted more than 600 commissioned portraits of distinguished figures, including many national leaders and celebrities.

From Staff Reports | 11/03/2025

Lipscomb University's 2025 Presidential Lectureship on Art presents internationally acclaimed portrait artist and Lipscomb Fine Arts Ambassador Michael Shane Neal (BA '91) on Nov. 20 at 5-7 p.m. at the George Shinn Event Center on campus.

Neal, whose portfolio includes more than 600 commissioned portraits of distinguished figures such as Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and President George H.W. Bush, will give a lecture titled "Beyond the Canvas: Leadership Lessons from Portrait Sessions" at 6 p.m. A reception will be held at 5 p.m.

Neal will share stories and insights gleaned from years spent in the studio with presidents, senators, scholars and cultural icons. Drawing from his experiences behind the easel, Neal will reflect on the universal lessons in leadership he's learned through the art of portraiture.

Neal works from two studios, one in his hometown of Nashville and one in the historic National Arts Club in Gramercy Park in New York City, which is the same studio where Neal's mentor, celebrated figurative and portrait painter Everett Raymond Kinstler, worked for years.

Today Neal's portraits are housed in prestigious institutions such as the United States Capitol, the Pentagon, various public and private collections and two in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Neal's public, private and institutional portraits include seven U.S. Presidential Cabinet members, seven U.S. senators, more than a dozen federal judges, numerous heads of universities and four U.S. governors.

His commissions have included actors such as Morgan Freeman and Jimmy Fallon, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Perot Jr., former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and a recent commission by Syracuse University to paint a portrait of President Joe Biden.

Neal has served as the chairman of the board of the Portrait Society of America and has won the Grand Prize Award from that society. He serves on the board of directors of the Norman Rockwell Museum's National Council and previously served on the board of the American Patrons for the National Library and Galleries of Scotland (APNLGS) and the Executive Board of Trustees for Cheekwood Museum of Art.

As Lipscomb's Fine Arts Ambassador in 2025-26, Neal is playing a key role in advancing the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and Lipscomb's School of Art & Design by helping to shape the university's vision for fine arts education, mentoring students and promoting Lipscomb's fine arts programs on a national level.

The Presidential Lectureship on Art is a part of the Presidential Signature Series, a collection of special opportunities to elevate scholarly conversations and illuminate significant work in the pursuit of flourishing. Additional series events this school year include a spring art exhibit of work by Neal and his daughter, portrait artist Maddie Ree Neal; The McClure Lecture on Art & Science; the Landiss Lecture; and the Fred Gray Lectureship.

Those interested in attending Neal's lecture should register by November 19.

Register for the Free Lecture Here