Richard Christian Nelson

Richard Christian Nelson (born 1961) is a portrait and gallery artist from Tryon, North Carolina. He has won numerous national awards and honors, and created over 1000 commissioned oil and charcoal portraits. He is also known for landscape and still life painting. Nelson maintains a studio in Asheville's River Arts District; 362 Depot.

Background Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1961, Nelson earned his BFA at Detroit's College for Creative Studies in 1988. He is recognized nationally for his portrait work, and is an established landscape artist and instructor. He has served on the faculty of the Portrait Society Of America, is an active member of PAPSE (Plein Air Painters of the South East) and the Oil Painters Of America. A part of the Detroit music scene in the 1980s, Nelson is an accomplished rock musician. He was a member of notable Detroit bands Bitter Sweet Alley (BSA) and The Purple Gang. He played with Carolina bands the Trophy Husbands, Casual Zealots, and 176, and started the Rich Nelson Band in 2018.

Life and work The Portrait Society of America has recognized Nelson's portrait work with fourteen awards. Among his notable commissions are portraits of former General Motors Chairmen John F. Smith, Jr. and Edward Whitacre, Jr., noted heart surgeon Randolph Chitwood, Medal of Honor recipient Bryant H. Womack, and Federal Judge Malcolm Jones Howard.

Awards 2019- 'Jim Jackson' Certificate Of Merit- Portrait Society Of America's International Portrait Competition 2017- 'Emelie' accepted into Oil Painters Of America Salon 2017- 'Jodie Karr' accepted into the Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition*2017- ‘Emelie’ accepted into Oil Painters Of America Salon 2016- Granted signature status from the Portrait Society Of America 2016- 'Lily Outdoors' accepted into Oil Painters Of America National Juried Exhibition 2014 - Certificate Of Excellence - Portrait Society Of America's 2014 International Portrait Competition 2014- Certificate Of Excellence - Portrait Society Of America's 2014 International Portrait Competition 2013- Finalist - Portrait Society Of America's 2013 International Portrait Competition 2012- Certificate Of Excellence - Portrait Society Of America's 2012 International Portrait Competition 2012- 1st Place- Commissioned Portraits- Portrait Society Of America's Member's Only Competition 2010- Finalist- Portrait/Figure Category of The Artist's Magazine 27th Annual Art Competition 2009- 1st Place- Oil and Honorable Mention-Drawing- Portrait Society Of America's 'Choose Your Medium' Portrait Competition 2008 - 2nd Place- Portrait Society Of America's ‘Outdoor’ Portrait Competition 2007 - Semifinalist In American Artist Magazine's 70th Anniversary Competition 2007 - Honorable Mention - Portrait Society Of America's Children's Portrait Competition 2006 - Honorable Mention - Portrait Society Of America's Self - Portrait Competition 2006 - 2nd Place and People's Choice - Portrait Society Of America's Tri - State Competition 2005 - Certificate Of Merit - Portrait Society Of America's Annual Portrait Competition 2004 - Best Portfolio - Portrait Society Of America's Annual Conference 2003 - Best Portfolio - Portrait Society Of America's Annual Conference 2002 - Certificate of Merit - Portrait Society Of America's Annual Portrait Competition 2001 - Certificate of Merit - Portrait Society Of America's Annual Portrait Competition