Michael Nelson is known for his marine masterpieces and the way he depicts watery worlds in juxtaposition to world above it. Michael Nelson, a gentleman and a police officer for twenty-six years, is now Chief Deputy Marshall for Northern California and resides in Elk Grove. During his distinguished career in law enforcement, Nelson has received several "hero" citations. Nelson is a natural artist. While serving in law enforcement, he studied art under the instruction of the noted San Joaquin Valley artist, Gary Langdon and credits Langdon with helping him develop his love for oil painting. Michael Nelson was commissioned by the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service for a rendition to commemorate the 1989 Bicentennial Celebration of the U.S. Marshals Service. His submission was titled “One to Bury, One to Hang” and depicts U.S. Marshals performing their duties during the old west. The painting was applauded in Washington D.C., and made a part of the traveling Smithsonian display for the Service. Until recently, the original oil has been on permanent display at the U.S. Marshals headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. In the near future, it will become part of the new U.S. Marshal’s Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Limited Edition Prints hang in Marshals offices from Guam to New York. This artwork by Michael Nelson has become a nationally recognized symbol of the Service.

Michael Nelson has received recognition and honors for First Place and Best of Show at local art exhibits for his landscape and seascape artwork. Following his study under nationally renowned artist and teacher, Robert Taylor, he refined his color and glazing techniques to extend his talents into marine and golf art. Many of his marine paintings were published in calendars distributed worldwide and limited edition prints. His current plans are to devote more time and effort at developing and expanding his talent as a full time artist. He looks forward to extending his current inventory to include more wildlife, landscape and seascape paintings.For years he studied with some top level instructors, but it wasn't until he met renowned art teacher, Robert Taylor, in 1990, that he blossomed into one of the best marine painters in the world. His artwork currently hangs in Washington D.C., San Fransisco, Sacramento, and Hawaii.