QUINCY – Brad Nelson, an 83-year-old retiree from Quincy, by no means took an artwork lesson in his life. He started portray 15 years in the past as a interest for his golden years, and developed his talent by observe, instinct, studying loads of books and watching the occasional YouTube video. His submission to The Patriot Ledger’s Christmas Cowl Artwork competitors is that this yr’s winner.
His oil portray depicts a group of harnessed Clydesdales pulling a sleigh laden with items by a deep snow at nightfall. The snowfall and powdered fir timber within the background are evocative of the season, and the absence of a driver provides a component of thriller and marvel to the scene.
Nelson described his technique as a mixture of high- and low-tech media. First, he makes use of a pc program to rearrange completely different themes he finds attention-grabbing. “I minimize and paste completely different topics and put them on completely different backgrounds to give you concepts for my portray,” he stated. “Then I sketch them out and paint them.”
See the 2022 winner: Megumi Kibi, of Quincy, wins Ledger’s Christmas artwork contest
Nelson, who grew up in East Milton, has lived in his Quincy residence since 1963. After attending Wentworth in Boston, he labored as a mannequin maker and machinist for the Joseph Pollak Corp. in Dorchester, which produced automotive elements and different merchandise. He stated he labored his manner as much as the place of amenities supervisor.
Since retirement, Nelson stated he is produced many drawings and work. “I’ve an entire bunch of them. I simply do that for enjoyable. I’m not fascinated by promoting them.”
In July, Nelson misplaced his spouse of 60 years, Elaine, who handed away after struggling a stroke. The couple, who share a standard Swedish ancestry, met as youngsters in East Milton and have been collectively for a complete of 67 years.
“I’m attempting to adapt my life-style to dwelling on my own,” Nelson stated. “However the children are right here on a regular basis. I’ve no plans of shifting. I like the place I’m. I like my home, and I like Quincy.”
Nelson stated he additionally has 5 grandchildren and one great-grandchild who simply turned one. His award-winning portray will certainly deliver them and plenty of others particular pleasure throughout this vacation season.
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