About Nelson Horton
I’ve always taken a strong interest in the beauty of nature and wildlife. As a child I longed for any opportunity to spend time at my Grandfather’s farm where I could explore the woods and the white oak creek bottoms. These early experiences welled up within me a spring of fascination and awe for God’s natural wonders.
As a young man I knew I wanted to pursue art as a career. After graduating High School I went to college for a degree in Commercial Art and Advertising Design. My time in school served to show me that my interest in art was for painting and making things beyond the confinement of corporate requirements. After learning the art and trade of taxidermy, it became my profession for the next several years. In addition to my own observations made in the field, it was in this trade that I became a student of the shape, color, texture and proportion of animal wildlife. This played a crucial role in developing my skills endeavoring to accurately portray the form of animals in their natural setting. I eventually left taxidermy to pursue theological education from Bible College. It was here where I came to see and appreciate more clearly how God gives each person unique talents and gifts for them to use, and that it was my gift to be an artist. I finished Bible School with a renewed fervor to pursue art as a lifelong endeavor. God being the creator, I wanted my paintings to serve only as a mirror to reflect the beauty He gave us to enjoy. It was with that mindset that I entered into a rewarding 20 year career in printmaking for a company in Apex, North Carolina. Presently, I enjoy the freedom of time to focus on painting the beauty that surrounds us here in the Carolinas.
May God be justly glorified for the magnificence of His creation!
-Nelson Horton