R. KENTON NELSON
	FOREWORD R. Kenton Nelson's work is like a slice of the "American dream," heroic in its expectations, courageously optimistic and yet, often not without its potential pitfalls. Storytelling is at the core of the artist's work and a narrative, ripe with innuendo and ambiguity, underscores his vision of a seemingly perfect world. Frequently, giving the viewer a mere suggestion of the scene unfolding, we are left to fill in the subtext. At times the previous circumstance is the unseen focus, other times we are left to ponder what is to come. Nelson, with flawless draftsmanship, elevates the commonplace and ordinary scenes of life, filling them with a sense of expectancy. Prodding the viewer to be an active participant in his work is Nelson's gift. Even the seemingly obvious scenario offers itself to interpretation. In "An Emergency Exit" we see a voluptuous woman in mid-descent leaving us to wonder whether she is escaping from a plight or running to a promise. Whatever the impetus, the prominent street sign leaves no doubt as to which direction the artist suggests she should take. The iconic figure of a woman holds an apple aloft in the painting "Influence". Our first impression is of a teacher whose favor is being sought, but in Nelson's world we know she could just as easily be Eve offering the knowledge of good and evil. R. Kenton Nelson's paintings invite us into his world of promise and prescience...and we cannot help but be inspired and intrigued. Born in 1954, Mr. Nelson was raised in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, with its distinctive architecture influencing much of his early work. He attended California State University in Long Beach and the Otis Parsons Art Institute, where he served on the faculty, as well as the Academy of Art in San Francisco. The artist traces his interest in painting back to his great uncle, the Mexican Modernist and muralist, Roberto Montenegro. His childhood was filled with stories about Montenegro and his friends, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Other great storytellers such as Dean Koontz and Steve Martin are counted among his international group of collectors. Mr. Nelson's paintings have graced the cover of The New Yorker among many other magazines, and currently his work is prominently featured in the highly acclaimed movie "Something's Gotta Give."
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