Brent Nelson

Biography

Brent Nelson was born and raised in southern California. He is the only son of parents who were both teachers. His father taught high school mathematics and his mother was a community college fine art professor. He was an athletic youth who got good grades and surfed the Pacific waves whenever possible. However, Brent also spent a lot of time in his mother’s art studio, watching, learning, and experimenting. He attended the University of California Santa Cruz and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Later, Brent completed his teaching credential and taught art at both public and private schools for nearly ten years. During this time, he continued to develop his own work and also participated in a number of group exhibitions. Brent eventually left the teaching he loved to pursue a full time artistic career. This was a difficult decision but one that he does not regret. He has had the chance to explore his own creativity and successfully find an audience for his work. Brent’s art has a sense of balanced freedom. His abstract paintings inspire contemplation without melancholy, and have a bright confidence that reflects his naturally positive view of the world. Brent Nelson still loves the pounding surf and the California sun, but he is also a teacher and an artist who has a wonderful talent for conveying his vitality and love of life in his artwork.