Guy Nelson looks to the natural world to explore how we balance preservation and progress, especially in our shared environment with plants. Nelson paints with acrylic on linen or paper, sometimes using spray paint, to create surfaces that feel both mysterious and vibrant. His work draws attention to the connections and sense of wonder found outdoors, particularly in woodlands.

For years, woodlands have inspired Nelson and served as his canvas. They invite exploration, like the enchanted forests in classic Disney stories, where trees seem to hold secrets and light creates magical patterns. This wonder is rooted in the real landscapes of the Upper Midwest that Nelson knows well, where beauty and chaos coexist, and survival and adaptation are ever-present. Nelson’s deep connection to this place shapes his self-reflection and discovery, linking his art closely to conservation.

Nelson’s paintings express this balance with layered surfaces that feel alive. He uses bold brushwork and gentle layers to encourage viewers to slow down and look closely, much like time in the woods reveals hidden connections and moments of awe. Nelson’s work stems from what he sees while managing land, caring for over 100 acres of native grasses and an 80-acre wood, planting trees, and restoring prairies and woodlands. These hands-on experiences shape his art, blending creativity, ecological care, and a sense of where the physical world meets something beyond it.

For Nelson, nature is more than a subject—it is a source of understanding, a place where questions lead to deeper exploration.

BIO Guy Nelson, born in Fargo, North Dakota, and raised in Moorhead, Minnesota, received his BA from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He earned an MFA from Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, New York). He currently resides in Minneapolis. Selected solo exhibitions include North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks, ND; WICK, Minneapolis; Transmitter Gallery, New York; ChaShaMa, New York; SpringBreak Art Show, New York; SooVac, Minneapolis; The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has also exhibited in notable group exhibitions at galleries such as The Orange Advisory (TOA), Minneapolis; 325 Project Space, Queens, New York; De Vos Art Museum, Marquette, Michigan; Field Projects, New York; the Java Project, New York; Peninsula, New York.