Artist

Biography

Dr. Craig Nelson

Executive Director of Painting & Printmaking / School of Fine Art/Academy of Art University, San Francisco

For more than 30 years, Craig Nelson has depicted figures, landscapes, California coastal vistas, and various environments in rich, vibrant oils. He has painted countless movie posters, including the one-sheets for Slap Shot, The Monster Squad, and The Incredible Journey; many book covers; and album covers for the likes of Natalie Cole (Thankful) and Rick Nelson (Country). Some of his most prestigious works have been his Broadway production posters for Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers and Proposals; both originals are in the playwright’s private collection.

During his illustrious career, Nelson has won more than 200 awards of excellence in various shows, as well as five gold medals and four silver medals from organizations including the Society of Illustrators and the California Art Club. In 1996, one of his paintings was chosen for the Communication Arts Annual cover.