Robert A. Nelson
American, born 1925
I'd like to share information about Dr. Robert Nelson, because he was an
influence in my life, education, and skill.
He was my printmaking, figure drawing, and illustration teacher at
Millersville University in Millersville, Pennsylvania where I was his print shop assistant for two years. From the school catalog, I found that he began working as a professor at the University in 1979. I ended college in 1994 and worked under his encouragement until 1997 when he retired. Upon his retirement the University had a difficult time replacing him.
What I recall is that his education mostly came from the Art Institute of Chicago or he taught there for a time. He had a special, unique personality, and once said that his work is in a manner of "Black Humor". He liked to say to students who weren't focused that they "aren't playing with a full deck."
Nelson holds three degrees as stated in the Catalog. He was idea driven in his instruction. I heard a professional call him Lord Nelson one time and it has some truth to it. Some of his style shows in those students who study closely with him.
I appreciate the education I received from him and his humor. I like to say
he placed me under his wing like a father guiding and protecting their
offspring.
In 1997, Nelson had a show in Washington D.C.
As a goodbye gift and thank you he gave me a 30"X 40" Lithograph titled "King
Cat" that is register as A/P...1989. When he signed it before me he gave another one away to an Asian man.
Nelson lived in Litz, PA during his teaching at Millersville University. I remember he had a special breed-type of white cat, and he had two husky-bulky dogs like pit-bulls.
He always wore suspenders and he'd rub his hand up and down them when he was about to begin to talk sometimes. He was very much into collecting video movie tapes. He had a shed full of papers and artwork piled high. He was very good at socializing with the students. He attended my award ceremony that he nominated me for to receive a special print award, which I can't remember the name of it. I recall he smokes those thin mini-cigars, and he was smoking one before we went into the award facility.
He has beady brown eyes and small wired glasses. His nose is a knob. I remember him with white whiskers, and beard. He has a son named Mark Nelson who does illustrative art and some bronze-casting.
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