Hi, my name is Neal OHara, and art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of artists—both of my parents were art teachers—and I have been drawing, painting, and creating ever since. My journey began as an illustrator and fine artist, and over the years, it has expanded into many forms of creative expression.
For more than 30 years, I worked as a professional 3D modeler, animator, and art director, creating visual worlds for entertainment, education, and government projects. My career began at a pivotal moment in the industry, when the world of art shifted from hand-done illustration to digital creation, and I embraced that transition to help define a new era of visual storytelling.
Alongside my production work, I have also shared my knowledge as an educator, teaching computer modeling, animation, and digital design. Guiding students through industry-standard tools and creative workflows allowed me to pass on the passion and discipline of art-making to the next generation.
Today, I have returned to the foundation of my creative passion: painting. My oil paintings capture the beauty of the southwestern desert landscapes, enriched with mystery, imagination, and often a surreal twist. I blend Western and science fiction themes—sometimes introducing UFOs or otherworldly elements—into vivid skies and desert horizons. Each work is both a story and a portal, balancing light, color, and wonder in a way that invites viewers to see the landscape with new eyes.
Through all my paths—illustrator, educator, digital creator, and fine artist—I am guided by one purpose: to bring forth the dream-state visions that visit me between sleep and silence.
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of artists—both of my parents were art teachers—and I have been drawing, painting, and creating ever since. My journey began as an illustrator and fine artist, and over the years it has expanded into many forms of creative expression.
For more than 30 years, I worked as a professional 3D modeler, animator, and art director, creating visual worlds for entertainment, education, and government projects. My career began at a pivotal moment in the industry, when the world of art shifted from hand-done illustration to digital creation, and I embraced that transition to help define a new era of visual storytelling.
Alongside my production work, I have also shared my knowledge as an educator, teaching computer modeling, animation, and digital design. Guiding students through industry-standard tools and creative workflows allowed me to pass on the passion and discipline of art-making to the next generation.
Today, I have returned to the foundation of my creative passion: painting. My oil paintings capture the beauty of Arizona’s landscapes, enriched with mystery, imagination, and often a surreal twist. I blend Western and science fiction themes—sometimes introducing UFOs or otherworldly elements—into vivid skies and desert horizons. Each work is both a story and a portal, balancing light, color, and wonder in a way that invites viewers to see the landscape with new eyes.
Through all of these experiences—illustrator, educator, digital creator, and fine artist—my mission has remained the same: to bring imagination to life and share it with others.