Digital illustration of an old granary back home. This little structure was in use when I was a kid forty years ago, but not sure if still operating today. The town has a huge concrete grain elevator just to the south of this structure.
Something about barns
There's something about barns that appeals to me. Images of barns have made appearances in several of my illustrations over recent years (Winter's Grip, Missouri Spring and Honeybun and Momma Midge). These old structures dot the landscape throughout the mid-west. Most are slowly falling into ruin, the result of modern farming practices using tractors. Winter's …
Traveling Team
I found this great photo in my grandmother's collection of old family photographs. It was an image of a traveling black baseball team that was in Simpson, Kansas playing the local team. My great grandfather was a catcher for that Simpson team and probably is why this photograph was shot. I loved how the whole …
Big lives
This illustration was a technique demo for my illustration class. I like doing faces for this technique. It typically yields positive results for the students. I found and chose an image of Del Corning, a distant great uncle. I liked his moustache and the photo had strong lighting which helps in this illustration technique. My paternal …
The other side of the family
Bittersweet features another grandfather, my mother's father. Richard Haley is on the right and Roger Billings is on the left. They were friends growing up. Grandpa Richard was a farmer and stockman northwest of Delphos his entire life. His friend Roger, was part of a family that owned the Bank in Delphos. Roger, served in …
Farm Team
Farm Team features a couple great uncles that were very active in sports as young men. I only remember them as old men and not that active by that time. The story is that they were so good that they played football for University of Kansas, but didn't go to college there. I told that …
The Delphi Chronicles
The Delphi Chronicles is a faux pulp fiction cover based on an actual close encounter incident that took place in Delphos, Kansas in the early 1970's. This was prior to the Spielberg movie being released. Good story, Google it. I even saw it featured once on a History channel show about UFO encounters. I created …
Put a dog in it
I've used dogs as subject matter in many of my illustrations. It wasn't a deliberate decision, I just noticed that they were showing up frequently. Growing up in rural Kansas, on a farm, dogs were just natural companions. They kept things under control with all the wildlife that came out at night. We raised sheep …
Indian Lookout
There is a rock formation about five miles south of Delphos, Kansas that has been a local feature and tourist destination since the settlers arrived in the 1870's. Of course the Indians of the area knew about it and used it as a lookout over the valley. Hence the name. It is a relative high …
Finger story
These two digital illustrations were inspired by student speculation as to how I lost my ring finger. There were multiple stories circulating around the art department. My favorite Involved a paper cutter and another student. Also at the time, several students were attempting to develop their skills in graphic novel artwork and I thought this …
RUSTY NELSON 
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