Sometimes we say hello, and sometimes we say goodbye, but maybe it's best just to say, "See you around." Over a decade ago, I started writing for what was then a reasonably new newspaper, The Middleburg Eccentric. When I created The Artist's Perspective, I told Executive Editor DeeDee Hubbard that my column would certainly be about art, but I never wanted to write about cheeky art openings where the focus was purely social. Instead, I wanted my "hopeful" readers to understand the importance of creativity to their day to day lives, to their children, as a stress reliever, towards science, and as one of the key differences between us and every other living thing on this planet. My intention was never to just write for artists, but everyone, and not just for the town of Middleburg, but for as far as this paper and my words could reach.

My early efforts were met with the challenges all new columnists face, as it seemed no sooner than I completed one article, the next month's deadline had arrived. It became an overwhelming task, which of course, had to take second place to my growing art business. In short, I fizzled out for a period of time. But I recall DeeDee and I sitting together at one of Sheila Johnson's Christmas parties and discussing the desire for us to try it again. The second time around I brought a new approach and enthusiasm to share what I have learned through my personal experiences.

Since then I have written north of 100 Artist's Perspectives on topics such as Creative Voice, Technology and Creativity, Transporting Your Art, Creative Partners, Gratitude, Tax Code, Art and the Aging, Visual Stimulation, Productivity, Unspoken Communication, and sensitive topics such as the death of creative types like Anthony Bourdain. Along the way I have been offered or assigned many more non-Artist's Perspective stories on local or regional topics like The Hill School, The National Sporting Library, A Place To Be, The Polly C. Rowley Arboretum, Oak Springs Garden Foundation, and The Inn at Little Washington, and I've enjoyed doing each and every one.

I've also been blessed with the most wonderful and thankfully successful art career. I began selling my paintings in Leesburg, Virginia, in 1988. It has been a career that has allowed me to become just about everything I could imagine in being an artist. Creative freedom, over 40 one-man shows, time working at the highest level of what was the largest fine art publisher, working as an artist liaison to some of America's most talented artists, along with gallery and business ownership of Leesburg Gallery of Art and Live An Artful Life with my creative partner Linda. I've also been able to produce two short films—The Land Beneath My Feet (also the name of my second book) and Ashby's Gap—and to write my current book, Live An Artful Life.

I feel blessed to have been able to raise over $100,000 for community charities through the proceeds of my donated original artwork and limited edition prints and to have enjoyed and continue to cherish relationships with so many of you. But possibly the most important and deeply personal relationship my career has fostered has been one with the Piedmont itself. This land has given me so much joy, and I hope I have dutifully painted its importance to all of us with unwavering passion. So much so, that one day may my ashes be laid to rest upon its rolling verdant ground. For now, God has blessed me with a wonderful life and new creative passions and experiences. Many of you know that we purchased a home in North Carolina, where I've been spending most of my time working on a new book, writing for Porsche, and yes, I'm still painting and visiting the Piedmont!

So friends, as we enter a new decade, I close this chapter with great appreciation for this paper and its editor for allowing me to share this time with you for so long. The Artist's Perspective will live on at a less hurried pace, along with my weekly blog at ThomasNeel.com. Thank you, bless you, and I'll see you around!

Live An Artful Life,
Tom Neel