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 in 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 include 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. Nelsons paintings of the evolution of the Alamo and placed
the works on the interpretive Wall of History at the Alamo. (see picture) Thirty
archaeological excavations in Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Utah benefited
from Mr. Nelsons 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.