Quincy's Brad Nelson wins Ledger's Christmas art contest
QUINCY – Brad Nelson, an 83-year-old retiree from Quincy, never took an art lesson in his life. He began painting 15 years ago as a hobby for his golden years, and developed his skill through practice, intuition, reading a lot of books and watching the occasional YouTube video. His submission to The Patriot Ledger’s Christmas Cover Art competition is this year’s winner.
His oil painting depicts a team of harnessed Clydesdales pulling a sleigh laden with gifts through a deep snow at dusk. The snowfall and powdered fir trees in the background are evocative of the season, and the absence of a driver adds an element of mystery and wonder to the scene.
Nelson described his method as a mix of high- and low-tech media. First, he uses a computer program to arrange different themes he finds interesting. “I cut and paste different subjects and put them on different backgrounds to come up with ideas for my painting,” he said. “Then I sketch them out and paint them.”
See the 2022 winner: Megumi Kibi, of Quincy, wins Ledger's Christmas art contest
Nelson, who grew up in East Milton, has lived in his Quincy home since 1963. After attending Wentworth in Boston, he worked as a model maker and machinist for the Joseph Pollak Corp. in Dorchester, which produced automotive parts and other products. He said he worked his way up to the position of facilities manager.
Since retirement, Nelson said he's produced many drawings and paintings. “I have a whole bunch of them. I just do this for fun. I’m not interested in selling them.”
In July, Nelson lost his wife of 60 years, Elaine, who passed away after suffering a stroke. The couple, who share a common Swedish ancestry, met as teenagers in East Milton and were together for a total of 67 years.
“I’m trying to adapt my lifestyle to living by myself,” Nelson said. “But the kids are here all the time. I have no plans of moving. I like where I am. I like my house, and I like Quincy.”
Nelson said he also has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild who just turned one. His award-winning painting will surely bring them and many others special joy during this holiday season.
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy Brad Nelson wins Ledger's 2023 holiday art contest
