About

A man in a gray sweater smiling for the camera.

PREMIER PORTRAIT PAINTER BRIAN NEHER

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Brian began drawing at the age of three. Through the encouragement and example of his grandmother, a commercial artist herself, he knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in art. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida, where he also worked as an illustrator for A BEKA BOOKS. It was there that he had the opportunity to study under Brian Jekel, an accomplished painter who would greatly impact his life. Today, Brian accepts family portrait commissions for clients nationwide and internationally.

"By introducing me to the Old Masters of the late nineteenth century, Brian Jekel set into motion a series of events and study that would forever direct my course as an artist."

Featured in The South African Artist Magazine

Brian was selected as the publication's international featured artist. The pages below are from that magazine spread, showcasing several of his commissioned children's oil portraits alongside the article discussing his painting process.

A book shelf with many books and pictures on it
A page of the article with pictures and text.
A series of photographs showing the face of a woman.
A page of two children with different faces.

National Publications & Recognition

From private homes to corporate buildings, premier portrait painter, Brian Neher, has captured the likenesses of clients of all ages. His work has been shown at the Portrait Institute in Manhattan, N.Y., and has been featured in several major art publications, including American Artist, Portrait and Figure Painting Highlights, South African Artist and Charlotte Magazine. He has received recognition in the National Portrait Competition as well as the West Coast Society of Portrait Painters. He has appeared on national public televisions as a guest on the magazine format show Paint!,Paint!,Paint!.

A young girl is featured on the cover of artist magazine.

  • American Artist

    Work featured in American Artist magazine, including the December 1996 and November 2009 issues, where his portrait work and process were featured.

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  • Portrait & Figure Painting Highlights

    Brian Neher was featured in the Fall 2010 special issue of American Artist: Portrait & Figure Painting Highlights, including a feature on his portrait sketches and their role in developing commissioned portraits.

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  • The South African Artist

    Featured as the international artist in The South African Artist magazine, including an extensive feature on his portrait painting.

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Trained Under Renowned Portraitist Joe Bowler

Brian has had the unique and rare opportunity to study under one of America's finest painters, renowned portraitist, Joe Bowler. "Through critiques, demonstrations, encouragement, and the constant study of the Old masters, Joe gave me an early start on what true painting is all about. Much of the progress which I have made as a painter has been a direct result of being under his guidance. I hope to someday be able to give back to others what Joe has given to me."

Joe Bowler Gold Medal Presentation

Renowned portrait painter Joe Bowler receives the prestigious Gold Medal Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Portrait Society of America on April 26, 2014. Brian Neher presents the award from Joe's home and studio on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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A family posing for a picture with their dog.

Family & Faith

Today, Brian resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife, Jacquie and their two daughters, Brooke and Casey.

Above all, Brian thanks the Lord for the talent which He has given to him and for the opportunity to use those creative skills for His glory.