We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Neal Portnoy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Neal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I illustrated a 24″x18″ felt-tip marker rendering “The Greatest Raiders of All Time”, that was purchased by the Las Vegas Raiders and enlarged to a 28″x40″ mural inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. To date, it is the largest work of art inside the stadium.

Neal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Neal Portnoy – Artist Bio
Neal Portnoy is an internationally acclaimed illustrator, caricature artist, and fine art creator whose distinctive style bridges the worlds of entertainment, sports, and cultural commentary. With a career spanning over four decades, Neal has earned a reputation as a master of “illustrative realism,” blending photo-like detail with expressive character and storytelling.
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Neal is the creative force behind Portnoy Gallery, a vibrant artistic space that showcases his wide-ranging work—from celebrity portraits and sports figures to poignant series like Endangered Species and Cities of the World. His unique marker illustrations have made him the go-to artist for Fortune 500 companies, major sports franchises, and high-profile entertainers.
Neal’s client list includes the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, NASCAR, and legendary names like Frank Sinatra, Jack Nicklaus, Ted Williams, and Barry Manilow. His ability to capture personality and movement has led to commissioned work for Hall of Fame inductions, magazine covers, event branding, and international exhibits. In 2017, Neal was officially “Portnoyed” into the Las Vegas cultural scene, creating a niche all his own.
A former art teacher and sports marketing executive, Neal brings a rich background in education and visual communication to his practice. His passion for storytelling through art is matched only by his commitment to community, often supporting educational and charitable causes through his work.
Neal’s wife and business partner, Dorothy Portnoy, plays a vital role in the gallery’s operations and public engagement efforts, helping to grow its reach as a cultural destination in Las Vegas.
Whether capturing the intensity of an athlete in motion or the spirit of an endangered animal, Neal Portnoy’s work leaves an indelible mark on the viewer—bold, emotional, and unmistakably original.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For the most part at this stage of my journey, putting a smile on someone’s face every day is my goal.
As noted master photographer and former college art professor Ed Foster wrote, ” what Neal Portnoy does….in the medium in which he does it, is like a ballerina …. trying to dance on a trampoline”!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Plant “seeds” every day…. water them and fertilize them. Some will grow to small bushes, and some to large trees… Always take every opportunity to engage with people…and promote who you are and what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://portnoygallery.com
• Instagram: @artistnealportnoy
• Facebook: Portnoy Gallery
• Linkedin: neal portnoy

Image Credits

photography credits to David Orlov