Our Spotlight on the Arts for February 2026 shines brightly on multi-talented visual artist, Veronika Neto! Veronika specializes in murals, movie poster art, original paintings, prints, custom jackets, and more!
How long have you been a visual artist, and what led you on this journey?
I was around 11 or 12 when people started noticing that I’m very much into arts. From that point on, there were always art projects up until I enrolled in a school of art in Germany. I then obtained my professional degree in graphic design and began working for major brands. As an independent visual artist, I’ve been in this industry for over 15 years now.
What were some of your inspirations along the way?
As a child, I would always look through little art postcard sets and art books that my mom had. They were paintings mostly of the Romantic era. I remember I always admired The Horsewomen by Bryullov and The Demon Seated by Vrubel.
Now that I understand the story and meaning of The Demon Seated, it makes sense why it resonated with me so profoundly. Vrubel described this Demon as “a spirit uniting in itself masculine and feminine qualities…a spirit, not so much evil as suffering and sorrowing, but in all that a powerful spirit…a majestic spirit.” The Demon is a perfect fusion of the soul’s earthly and heavenly elements. Once you connect with an art piece, like I did back then, it paves your artistic journey. The mix of real and surreal.
Tell us about your local murals!
I’m so glad I get opportunities to create murals locally. This area is small, and it’s sometimes not easy to make people or businesses see the benefit that a great visual could bring or contribute to their place. The more senses which you invoke in the customer, the stronger the connection that person will have to your establishment. That is what I try to convey to people and their businesses. This community has ways of coming together and supporting so well, I’m very appreciative of it. Especially whenever I get a chance to realize amazing ideas!
Do you have a favorite aspect of your art form and of your business?
I do! I recently invested in a bigger laser machine into which I can incorporate my intricate designs to different media, such as wood and acrylic and can have different design effects on each medium. Combining the two elements of mural work and woodwork together is unlocking a whole new level to my artistic expression and journey.
I love how my murals now have an additional dimension and look even more alive by incorporating wooden designs onto the walls. I also laser cut a business logo and arrange all the parts as a whole “3D” piece to brand out a space. Sky is not the limit! It’s exciting to not only design a mural but also the standout pieces of wood, and the ability to do so is my new favorite skill!
Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in St. Mary’s County?
I was born in Asia and lived in Kazakhstan until I was nine years old. We then lived in Germany until I met my husband while he was serving in the US Army there. After living in Newark, NJ for six years and having the opportunity to showcase my work in SoHo, Manhattan, we decided to raise our family here in St. Mary’s County in 2018.
What are your other interests outside of your work as an artist?
For over seven years now I’ve been very much into sourdough. I love baking bread and scones! My grandma, Oma Irma, baked bread all her life and I’d like to honor her and carry on that legacy. Last year I launched my own sourdough micro-bakery business called “Brot und Kunst Atelier” (Bread and Art Workshop).
The idea is to combine baking and art with my artistic twists, sometimes including mini art prints or themed wooden cut outs to go with your order. I decided to give it a German name to stay authentic to my roots and to bring that European flair to St. Mary’s County.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
While working on murals this past summer, people constantly approached me. They were all small business owners, and they said to me, “I always wanted something like this but never knew an artist like you, but now I know.” It’s hard to get out there and to be seen for your work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you! Thank you so much for reaching out and wanting to shine light on my work! I appreciate this very much and hope the right people will find and be inspired by my work.
Thank you, Veronika, for sharing your story and being a valued member of our creative community!
Links of Interest
Veronika Neto Designs:
Website: www.veronikanetodesigns.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronikanetodesigns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeronikaNetoDesigns/
Brot und Kunst Atelier:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575292782470
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotundkunstatelier
Find one of Veronika’s most recent murals at:
La Vida Mexican Bar & Grill – 22767 Three Notch Rd, California, MD 20619