Nate Closson began painting at an early age under the instruction of his mother, a watercolor painter. This early exposure to art gave Nate a firm foundation in drawing and design, and a love for all things creative. As a senior in high school, he won first place in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. But it was during his freshman year of college, while taking a beginning painting class, that Nate painted his first plein air oil painting. It was only a little sketch of the San Diego coast, but it sparked a new interest in painting plein air and working in oil paint. Since that time Nate has developed his skills to creating vibrant paintings that capture light and atmosphere, working both in the studio and en plein air. Nate lives with his wife, Bryna, and their sons, Landon, Dashiell, and Wynn in Whitefish, Montana.