George S. Nelson is a painter, sculptor, illustrator, archaeologist, writer, historian, and a historical consultant whose main subject matter is Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and combines his thirty years of experience with his skills as an artist to create murals, dioramas, reliefs, and sculptures, recreating and interpreting historic and archaeological sites throughout Texas. Recognized as a specialist in museum exhibits in the state of Texas, his work is included in the collections of the Alamo, the City of San Antonio, the National Park Service, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Texas Memorial Museum, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Witte Museum.
His extensive research over three decades resulted in the award-winning book, The Alamo-An Illustrated History, which he authored, illustrated, and published. His expertise on the Alamo allows Mr. Nelson to continue to update the publication. The book is currently in its third printing and the second edition contains new information, maps, and photos. Mr. Nelson’s book is the most frequently recommended book on the Alamo by the San Antonio Public Library. Dr. Mary Black of the University of Texas at Austin finds the book useful to both teachers and students of Texas history.
In 1998, the National Park Service commissioned Mr. Nelson to create a bronze relief map of Mission San Jose, which appears at the entrance to the Mission grounds. In 1986, the City of San Antonio commissioned other projects. Mr.Nelson created a relief map of San Antonio de Bejar, showing the layout of the town, the Alamo, and surrounding terrain. The map was commissioned by the Witte Museum and is exhibited at the IMAX Theater. In 1997, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas requested the use of Mr. Nelson ‘s paintings of the evolution of the Alamo and placed the works on the interpretive Wall of History at the Alamo.
Thirty archaeological excavations in Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Utah benefited from Mr. Nelson’s expertise as an archaeologist and artist. Mr. Nelson is a native Texan. He lives and works on the Nelson Ranch in the Dry Frio Canyon of the Texas Hill Country where four generations of his family lived and ranched. Cranbook art museum said that George Nelson is considered one of the most influential figures in American design during the second half of the twentieth century.
George Nelson’s Facebook page.
Cindy Heminger says
During our recent trip to The Alamo, we met George S. Nelson at a book signing. We would like to make direct contact with him to discuss a book signing for our local philanthropic organization.
Thank you,
Cindy Heminger
New Braunfels