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About Jeffrey Nelson

As a visual artist, I am driven to bring my experiences to life through my work. From the sweeping landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands and the Grand Canyon to autumn in New England, and from the frescoes of Giotto and Giotto’s Campanile to masterworks by Michelangelo, Picasso, and Van Gogh—including the Palatine Gallery collection—my travels have continually shaped my perspective. Travel inspires me, and art is central to who I am.

I find beauty in both the iconic and the overlooked—from the colorful villages surrounding Lake Como and the views from the Basilica del Sagrat Cor on Tibidabo in Barcelona to a single cobblestone shaped by time. These impressions inform my creativity across both traditional and digital media. Working in acrylic on canvas, I use color, texture, and brushwork—sometimes bold, sometimes subtle—to translate what I see and feel. I also explore the restraint and contrast of black-and-white compositions, which offer a distinct dimension of expression. In every piece, I enjoy experimenting with palette and technique to give form and vitality to my ideas.

Over the past few years, I have devoted increasing time to creating acrylic works on canvas, an endeavor that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. My current focus is on vibrant abstract portraits, and I remain continually influenced by the groundbreaking artists who came before me. Their innovative techniques and fearless use of color have encouraged me to explore new approaches to expressing emotion and character. As I experiment with methods and palettes, my perspective continues to evolve. Through this process, I have developed a distinctive way of interpreting the world—its reds, blues, greens, and the full spectrum in between—seeking to create visual harmony that resonates with the viewer.

I share these works with those who value beauty in their purest form. Art invites thoughtful attention and reflection, offering a sense of energy and vitality to those who engage with it through an artist’s eye.

My journey has been shaped by countless steps, and it continues to unfold. From a childhood that began in Ohio and continued in California, I have remained inspired by wide horizons and the world beyond—approaching each new place with curiosity and purpose.

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Art Exhibitions

 

2020     Celebrating Color, Rene Soto Gallery and Saugatuck Church, Westport, CT, USA

2020     Vanishing, Rene Soto Gallery, Norwalk, CT, USA

2019     Wilton Library Show and Loft Artists Association, Wilton, CT, USA

2019     Lock Works, Stamford Museum & Loft Artists Association, Stamford, CT, USA

2019     Rene Soto Gallery, Norwalk, CT USA

2019     New Member Show, Loft Artist Association, Stamford, CT, USA

2018     Holiday Pop Up Art Show, Loft Artist Association, Stamford, CT, USA

2018     Open Studios 2018, Loft Artist Association, Stamford, CT, USA

2017     Deloitte University, West Lake, TX, USA

2016     Solo Exhibition, UNCON, Stamford, CT USA

2015     Solo Exhibition, UNCON, Stamford, CT, USA

2014     Solo Exhibition, Musée du Croco, Milan, Italy

Art Painting Workshop Facilitator

         

2024          Tri-State Painting Event, Live in Stamford via NYC and Morristown, NJ

                  Summer Intern Painting at 30Rock, New York City, NY, USA

                  Discuss and draw, Stamford, CT USA

2023          Painting Event, Live in NYC via Stamford, CT and Morristown, NJ, USA

                  IDAHOT Painting flowerpots and tote bags, Stamford, CT, USA

                  Black History Month Art Class, Stamford, CT, USA

2022          In-Person Art Class, Stamford, CT, USA

2021          In-Office Art Class, Stamford, CT, USA

Personal Information

203-276-9813

Artist residence, Stamford CT

www.jeynelsonart.com

 

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Skills

Art Collections

2021          Private collection, New York, NY – Venezia Canale Reflection

2020          Private collection, San Francisco, CA – The Woods

2018          Private collection, Lancaster, CA – Koi Pond

2017          Private collection, Riverside, CT - World Trade Center (b&w)

2017          Private collection, Westlake, TX - 5 Digital Paintings

2016          Private collection, Stamford, CT - Three Bridges Over the East River

2016          Private collection, Stamford, CT - Blue Flowers

2015          Private collection, Stamford, CT - Midtown Reflections

2015          Commissioned, Rye Brook, NY - Empire Sunset

2015          Private collection, Mount Kisco, NY - Spring Blossoms

2011          Private collection, Norwalk, CT - Always Near By

2011          Private collection, Norwalk, CT – Colorato Ponte Vecchio

● Acrylic Painting

● Watercolor Painting

● Digital Painting

● Photoshop Elements 13

● Design Sculpey Clay

● Design wooden figurines

● Photoshop CC

● Photographer

● Design Rod Puppets 

● Design Foam Puppet 

● Design Hand Puppet 

● Design and construct 

    puppet scenery, stage and props    ● Design and construct                          Facemasks, Clay, Rubber,

    Leather and Paper Machie

● Design Marionettes

Printable Resume

Press

1998          BlackStar Newspaper, Harlem’s Puppet Master

1997          Trickle Up Program Newsletter, International-The Puppetman: New York City

1995          CNN Prime News

1994          The New York Beacon Newspaper-The 16th Annual Harlem Christmas Tree Lighting  

1992          New York Amsterdam Newspaper-Hale House Christmas Celebration

1992          Entertainment Tonight, WCBS-Hale House Christmas Celebration

1992          The Big Red Newspaper, NY-Jeffrey L. Nelson a/k/a Le Puppetman

Education

2001          Computer Technician / 3D Animation, The Career Center, NY 

1999          Facial Mask Making, School of Visual Arts, NY

1991          Study under Raymond Billingsley, Creator of “Curtis”, comic strip, NY

1990          Apprentice to Bruce Cannon, Master Puppeteer, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, NY

1983          Travel and Tourism, Sawyer College of Business, Sherman Oaks, CA

1980          Technical Drafting,  David Starr Jordan High, Los Angeles, CA

1979          Visual Arts,  Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles, CA 

Extended Work History

Related Professional Experience

Founder, Le Puppetman Puppetry, New York, NY and Stamford, CT.  Variety Shows, Educational and Recreational Workshops, Custom made Puppets and figurines. 

 

Master Puppeteer and Artist Educator, City Parks Foundation, New York, NY.  Performing in “The Peter Pan Game” and “Sleeping Beauty” Shows at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park.  Troubleshoot and emphasize theatrical protocol.  Design and maintain puppets, scenery, stage and props.

African American Musical Puppetry - touring puppet show, Le Puppetman Puppetry and New York Children Theatre.

The Big Apple Star Search - touring puppet show, Marionette Theatre in Central Park and New York City Parks, Recreation Centers and Playgrounds.

Harlem River Drive - touring puppet show, Bruce Cannon Puppetry Productions and New York Children’s Theatre.

 

Member of the Union International de la Marionette, UNIMA-USA

Member of The Puppeteers of America, Inc

Member of the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry

Member of Stamford Art Association

Member of Loft Artists Association

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