Garden Variety

The sound of pencils scratching against paper and the splash of paint on a canvas—these were Charlott Neal’s first loves. “I’ve always loved being creative,” she says. That love led her to South Kent College in the United Kingdom, where she studied art and design, photography, and art history for three years. But as life often does, it swept her in a different direction. “Too often, I was told I wasn’t good enough, and, as one does, I lost confidence,” she admits. The art world felt out of reach, and with the demands of motherhood, Charlott quietly set her paints and pencils aside.

Then, the world stopped. During the stillness of the COVID-19 pandemic, something inside her stirred. “After 18 years, I had this overwhelming urge to pick up a pencil again,” she shares. That small spark rekindled a flame, and by 2023, she took a bolder step forward, trading her pencil for a paintbrush. Her first creation after the long hiatus? A dazzlingly colorful lion that roared with triumph, signaling her artistic rebirth.

Charlott’s inspiration flows from the boundless corners of her imagination. “My colorful animals are fun ideas from my head,” she says, blending those whimsical visions with reference images to get the right shape or detail.

Her process is as fluid as her ideas. “Sometimes, fun ideas pop into my head, or I hear something and think, ‘That would make a great painting.’” She starts with quick sketches, laying down a black background before introducing vibrant blues and yellows to create balance. She refines the details from there, bringing her vision to life with precision and joy.

Animals, in particular, have become her favorite subjects. “They give me more freedom to play with color or make them funny,” she explains. And funny they are. Charlott’s work often brings a smile, like Selfie Cow, a playful portrait of a cow that seems to be snapping a selfie, and Nosy Cow, featuring a close-up of a curious cow wearing oversized glasses.

Charlott’s whimsical style hasn’t just captured hearts, but the eye of local tastemakers. Her painting Selfie Cow was discovered by Ryan Freelove, chef and owner of Market to Table, through SOBO Art Gallery. 

“Ryan saw my painting in the gallery and asked if he could hang it in his restaurant after its run at SOBO,” Charlott recalls. The opportunity turned into more than just exposure; Ryan purchased the piece and invited Charlott and her family to dinner, where they enjoyed seeing Selfie Cow greeting diners in its new home.

Balancing art and family life is a daily rhythm for Charlott. “My mornings start with the school run and walking the dogs,” she says. “I always try to carve out time for coffee with my husband before I dive into painting.” Her evenings are a mix of creativity and family commitments, from finishing a painting to attending her kids’ soccer practices or guitar lessons.

“I lost faith in my art for so long,” Charlott reflects. “But picking up that paintbrush again reminded me how much I love creating. It’s never too late to rediscover your passion.”

Charlott Neal’s story is one of resilience and renewal—a vivid reminder that even when the canvas sits empty for years, it’s always ready to welcome you back.