Award-winning artist Craig Nelson has been painting since the 1970's and focuses on depicting figures, landscapes and various environments in rich, vibrant oils. Whether he is out discovering a quaint European town, enjoying a quiet park, or admiring the light on an ancient building, Nelson's work reflects the way he takes in the world around him. He works using a variety of strokes where motion and mood are evoked, which remains a consistent theme throughout his bodies of paintings. His precise brushwork and attention to the contrast between light and color create sensitivity in each piece, capturing the simplistic beauty of everyday life. Craig received a BFA with distinction from the Art Center College in Pasadena and is currently the Department Chairman of Fine Arts, Drawing, and Painting at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, California. Selected commissions include: Count Basie; MGM Record Corp.; Sammy Davis, Jr.; Neil Simon; MCA Inc.; Natalie Cole; Capitol Records, Inc.; Loretta Lynn; A.C. Eichenger; Private; James Garner; Private; Frank Sinatra; Capitol Records, Inc.; Richard Petty; Franklin Mint, Inc.; Mr. & Mrs. Joris Brinkerhoff; Private; and Mr. & Mrs. R. Kiperman; Private. Permanent collections include: Toyota Corp.; JVC; Denny’s Inc.; U.S. Air Force; George C. Scott; Academy of Art College, San Francisco; UCLA Dental School; and Initiative Media. Craig’s numerous awards and achievements include five gold medals, two silver medals, Best in Show and over 200 awards of excellence from the Society of Illustrators in Los Angeles, California and a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators in New York. Craig has been published in Communication Arts Annual and JCA (Japan).