Neal was born in Belfast. He studied art in Edinburgh Collage of Art, where he received a BA in Fine Art and went on to do a further postgraduate diploma. Neal has exhibited both in Ireland and abroad especially the States winning many awards. He is now recognised as one of Irelands leading artists. He resides in Monaghan.

Neal Greig's inspirations are steeped in nature. Natural light, weather and rhythm of tides of the western seascape influence this work. The landscape of the less known Monaghan Drumlins and lakes comes into play and has a bearing on his themes as a whole. Greig seeks the fleeting and intangible and thus transposes the viewer into a psychological space, which has a surreal quality. The less epic aspect of the Monaghan landscape has focused the artist to look for moments in time and quality of light. This light illuminates area of darkness. These poles are held in balance and have a metaphorical meaning, adding another layer to the process.