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Nelson Tucker

Scratchboard Etchings

 
"Cunning Camouflage"
 
"Fox Portrait"
 
"Ivory Elegance"
 
"Turtle Soup"
BIO
Nelson is not a novice to the world of art, even though his young age would tell a different story.
You might say he was born into an art studio. Both Nelson’s father and mother are professional
artists. Having a natural talent for drawing, since day one, he was attracted to learning more. In
middle school he started gaining attention for his three dimensional work and won awards from
the local school district’s art competition. In high school Nelson’s acrylic painting won first prize
for 11th grade category and The Best of Show in 2012. Nelson also submitted and was accepted
into the National Scholastics Art and Writing Competition, 2013. From these judged pieces, the
curators from the Denver Art Museum chose a few select pieces to display in an exclusive show
in the Denver Art Museum where Nelson’s pen and ink, “Colorado River Toad” was prominently
displayed as the first piece of artwork as you entered the gallery. His original artwork was a bit
unusual because it took up the entire wall. After high school he attended Columbus College of
Art and Design for two years, studying illustration. Nelson attended the 2017 Illustration
Academy, in Kansas City, MO. A five week intensive hands-on course taught by many of the
countries premier illustrators. Hear Nelson tackled projects and techniques that expanded his
skills and approach to creating art. He was challenged and ended the course with renewed
enthusiasm for refining and expanding his own techniques.

Currently Nelson is continuing to learn while producing beautiful original works of art. He is
studying under the world renowned artist, Thomas Blackshear. Nelson is learning painting
techniques by observing and trying his own hand in creating portfolio and fine art pieces.

INSPIRATIONS
My affinity for animals began as a child. Our family lived in a rural neighborhood and had an
outdoor cat. My older sister and I thought he was another sibling. My subsequent animal family
grew to include birds, lizards, frogs, and a herds of outdoor squirrels and raccoons. Because of
family allergies, the furred animals weren’t allowed inside. My Mom taught me how to capture
and release. We have had many , “Born Free”, experiences. Salamanders, rabbits, horned toads,
crawdads, fish, wounded wild birds, frogs, toads, plenty of insects, spiders, and recently a baby mouse,... all went on to enjoy their lives in the wild. This gave me an opportunity to take video and photos, then draw them at my convenience.

Watching their behaviors gave me more insight as to how to later pose them in compositions. Also, I have had abundant access to photograph and observe both wild and domestic animals. It seems that those who work exclusively from photos sometimes tend to depict the subjects as stiff. I attempt to make them a flowing part of the environment. A crucial piece of the larger puzzle.

TECHNIQUES
Nelson is still experimenting with mediums, At the moment his passion is black and white techniques. These include pen and ink, scratchboard, and pencil on paper. He also has a fascination for painting with acrylics, oils and digital arts. 

Nelson has a lot of experience with Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign. Nelson says, “I prefer traditional mediums but I also enjoy digital art. I don't like to limit myself to one medium because I like to experiment. Creating is, by definition, learning through experimentation”

EDUCATION
Lewis Palmer High School, In Monument Colorado. Summer classes at the Bemis School of Art
at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Figure drawing studio classes at Cottonwood Center
for Arts, in Colorado Springs, CO.. Two years of instruction at Columbus College of Art and
Design, Columbus, OH.. Completed the 2017 Illustration Academy in Kansas City, MO.

GALLERIES
Western Stars Gallery and Studio, Lyons, Colorado
The Broadmoor Galleries, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nelson is also represented in internationally juried art shows at both the South Eastern Wildlife
Exposition, and the Bosque Arts Center online Fine Art Auction.

Scratchboard Technique

Scratchboard Art is a way to create an image using a special board with a
black surface layer and white clay board under layer. Using a sharp tool, you
cut into the black to reveal the white layer below. The resulting image is a
series of light lines against a dark background. Scratchboard art is considered
a type of direct engraving, a process where an image is incised or cut into a
surface. The image is created completely by making repeated small lines, marks and strokes.

Scratchboard isn't just about drawing an outline in the black surface. And it's
not a process that creates a negative image with dark and light areas reversed.
It's creating an image by removing the dark to reveal the white. Because of
this, it can make a dramatic impression.

The tools used for cutting into the board include small craft knives with
precision blades, needles, or any sharp tool. Blades come in various sizes and
can be fitted with many types of angled blades. You can also use engraver's
points, which are small metal tools used in printmaking. For removing large
areas of black, some artists also use sandpaper or even steel wool.

Mary Martin Gallery I is located on 103 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401    843-723-0303
Mary Martin Gallery II is located on 122 Market Street in Charleston, SC 29401  
Mary Martin has collections of art showing at The Vendue, Bella Grace, Andell Inn @ Kiawah Island, Harbour Club and Charleston Place Hotel
Mary Martin Galleries have been selected as the best galleries in South Carolina for ten years in a row and in the top 20 galleries in the nation,  Also, selected as the best gallery by several local publications.   info@marymartinart.com