Conversation with Artist Craig Nelson

Enjoy the high energy, enthusiasm and humor of artist, author & teacher Craig Nelson as he discusses with Lynn Powers the questions you would like to ask a professional artist if you could talk with him one on one.

We filmed 7 art instruction videos with Craig over the years and enjoyed many evenings with him over dinner.  Here are a few of the topics Craig discussed with us in this conversation.

• How did you get started as an artist?
• How does Craig judge a show?
• How important is it to expose yourself to good art, if you are an artist?
• How do you develop your own style?\
• Is it important to have one, consistent style?
• What is important when you are beginning to learn to paint?
• What do you listen to when you paint?
• Recommendations for “how to survive as an artist”.
• How often do you love the painting that you produce?
• What is gained by painting “quick studies”?
• “Luck is preparation meeting opportunity.”
• Discuss some painting terms you use in your book, “60 Minutes to Better Painting: Quick Studies in Oil and Acrylic”

About the Artist: Craig Nelson

Craig Nelson has more than 30 years of experience painting oil landscapes & urban scenes. He began his career painting movie posters & album covers for some of the biggest names in entertainment. He is also an award winning artist including the Grant Teton Natural History Award among many others. He has taught painting since 1974 and he is now the Director of Fine Art, Drawing and Painting at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. He is a member of the California Art Club and the American Society of Portrait Artists.

Craig nelson filmed 7 video workshops with Creative Catalyst

• CN1d - Quick Studies in Oil by Craig Nelson
• CN2d - Oil Portrait From Life: A Quick Study by Craig Nelson
• CN3d - Drawing with Pastel & Charcoal by Craig Nelson
• CN4d - Drawing a Duotone Portrait with Craig Nelson
• CN5d - Drawing Gesture in Charcoal & Pastel by Craig Nelson
• CN6d - A Solid Start in Oil Painting: Still Life by Craig Nelson
• CN7d - Plein-Air in Oil with Craig Nelson